LA - Kayaking and Birding in Beautiful Newport Back Bay

  • Sun, February 02, 2020
  • 10:00 AM
  • Newport Aquatic Center - 1 Whitecliffs Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660

Registration

  • This holds your place, there is no Great Outdoors fee for this event. You will pay your kayaking fee directly to the Aquatic Center.

Registration is closed



Join the LA GO Chapter for a fun morning of paddling in a hidden gem of a location! The Newport Back Bay is an important bird habitat and beautiful kayaking destination. The calm, protected estuary allows even beginners to peacefully enjoy the wetland habitat and view birds, free from boats and waves. Birds sometimes seen include Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Brown Pelican and different species of shorebirds. 

Largest Remaining Natural Estuary in Southern California

Upper Newport Bay (aka the “Back Bay”) is the largest of only a few remaining natural estuaries in Southern California. An estuary is a coastal wetland where saltwater from the ocean mixes with nutrient-rich freshwater from inland sources, to provide a fertile feeding area for birds, fish and other animals.



Kayaking: Beginners are welcome, kayaking is fun and easy to learn! We will share basic paddling instruction. Single or double kayaks available for rent.  If you own a kayak, launch for free at the same location, at North Star Beach next to the Newport Aquatic Center.

Location: Park and meet in front of the Newport Aquatic Center.  1 Whitecliffs Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/pe5sA5yXLb82  Carpooling encouraged! Free parking.

Rental Cost (paid directly to the Newport Aquatic Center)

Single kayak: $15/per hour

Double kayak: $20/per hour

Estimated cost is $20-30 per person, based on 2 hours on the water. There is NO Great Outdoors fee for this event.

Weather

Event subject to cancellation in the instance of rain or inclement weather. If the event is to be cancelled, we will notify you by e-mail if you have RSVPed with your contact info by Friday 01/30/2020. 

Liability Waiver: 

All members must sign a Newport Aquatic Center Release of Liability Waiver (available at the facility), and must leave a valid Driver’s License at the front desk, upon payment.

All members must complete a Great Outdoors Day Trip Activity Sign-in Sheet Waiver Form.  Form will be available at the facility.

Lifejackets are required to be worn by everyone, at all times, using a kayak.

Please watch the Newport Aquatic Center’s Kayak & Stand-Up Paddling Instructional Video to learn more helpful tips and safety instructions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f2Xj-RWNDc

Gear: Wear swimwear or beach attire (T-shirt and swim-trunks), sandals, sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket if the weather is chilly. Bring a towel and change of clothes. Optional: Binoculars, waterproof camera, waterproof watch.

Valuables: The aquatic center has a locker-room available for changing and showering.  Valuables and electronics (phones, cameras, etc.) are recommended to be kept inside your vehicle.  If you do choose to bring them along, it is recommended that you do keep them in a waterproof ziplock type bag to avoid possible loss or damage.  Each member is solely responsible for their own valuables and possessions.

Directions: Use Google maps to locate the Newport Aquatic Center at 1 Whitecliffs Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660. http://tinyurl.com/NACKayak



Group Lunch: Following our outing, join us for lunch (optional) at a nearby restaurant (to be determined).

For More Information:

While you’re in the area… Check out:

PLEASE RSVP before January 30, 2020 with your name and contact information to the leaders below. Questions, suggestions - let us know!

Trip leaders: Albert Sotelo and Bryan Matsumoto. Contact info: Albert - (323) 215-9123, e-mail: albertsotelo@yahoo.com; Bryan - (626) 246-8634.




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