Sea amazing things

Exploring the minus tide

You don't always get the combination of a minus 2.5 ft. tide and calm seas, and when it happens it should be taken advantage of. So on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, with host Michael Morris, seven paddlers made the effort to get up extra early for a 6:30 a.m. launch and it proved well worth it. The big minus tide exposed a lot of critters that were otherwise rarely seen. Even before getting on the water, a scan along the exposed rocks on the beach revealed fascinating sea life. More wonders were seen as the group launched on the water and maneuvered around the rocks. Some of the highlights were some unusual anemones, a couple of rarely seen sea-stars, Red Abalone, and a Giant Rock Scallop.
Photos: Above — Anemones and purple sea urchins. Below clockwise — ENC kayakers examine the rocks in Trinidad. Giant pink sea star, Giant rock scallop, Red Abalone, Pacific blood star.

Upcoming Paddles

Please check our calendar for details about location, arrival time, launch time, if there are facilities, what to wear, etc. Each description will have the paddle host contact information in case you have questions.

July 28-31 — Mendocino Paddle

Join ENC for a long weekend in Mendocino filled with incredible kayaking, camping and socializing. Kayaking options range from spectacular sea caves to flat-water rivers (Noyo, Big, Albion). It’s an incredible place to paddle. If you're thinking about going, here’s a review on general information and signing up:

General information: visit our webpage here.
Sign up: If you're interested in going, just fill out our form by clicking here or the button below (whether your staying at the campground or not). We would like to know everyone who will be participating in the paddles, their kayaking interests, and experience. If you aren't able to access the digital form, you can download and print the form here, fill out, and mail it to us.
Camping Deposit: After you have signed up, for those who plan to stay at the camping site we reserved, please make a deposit.

MENDOCINO SIGN UP

Data shows paddlesports fatalities remain high

Paddling Magazine reviewed data released by the Coast Guard on recreational boating accidents of 2021. While overall number of fatalities and accidents have decreased, deaths within paddlesports remain high. There is a continued need to keep encouraging, educating and reminding everyone who goes out on the water apply safe boating practices.

Some points from the data include (click here for Paddling Magazine article):

Kayaks are listed as the vessel type with the second highest fatalities (15 percent), behind open motorboats (44 percent)
In 2021, there were 96 fatalities while kayaking, compared to 112 in 2020
In 2021, there were 46 fatalities while canoeing, compared to 42 in 2020
In 2021, there were 18 fatalities while standup paddleboarding, compared to 10 in 2020
Where cause of death was known, 81 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those victims with reported life jacket usage, 83 percent were not wearing a life jacket
Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents; where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 16 percent of deaths

Life jacket loaning stations in Humboldt County

Need a life jacket for an outing? Check out the Life Jacket loaning stations locations listed through this link. Please call ahead to confirm availability. Thanks to a grant from the Sea Tow Foundation. the Water Safety Program received more than 100 life jackets that were distributed to existing loan stations and new locations throughout the county. Life jackets from infant to adult sizes are available to borrow during business hours.

Changes to Explore North Coast Bylaws

This year a committee on the ENC board reviewed the club’s bylaws and proposed some changes in order to simplify certain processes. We have a link of a draft to the proposed changes here for ENC members to review. If you have any questions or would like to discuss these bylaw changes, please contact John at johnschmidt88@gmail.com. The plan is to approve the changes by the next board meeting on July 14.

On the water? Remember your PFD

It’s great to see the support for safe boating practices when your paddling in other areas. This photo shows a Kids PDF Loaner Station supported by the Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue in British Columbia. The sign says, “Kids don’t float! Remember, if you're playing in or near the water, always wear a PFD. …If you need a PFD, borrow one here!” Locally, Humboldt County has several life jacket loaner stations for anyone who is planning activities on the water. Photo by Jen Tavares

Sell or buy

FOR SALE Delta Expedition 18.5 Ocean Kayak — Excellent condition. See more photos here. $1,250. Contact David Yorton at
(530) 255-4091 or dmyesq@gmail.com

If you would like to list your outdoor-related item for sale or gear you are looking for in the next newsletter please click here and fill out the form. We will not be able to update the posting once the newsletter is sent, so think of it as an old-fashioned printed classified.