Last Thanksgiving we hosted a paddle and picnic for Team River Runner of San Diego (Team River Runner (TRR), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, gives active duty service members and veterans an opportunity to find health, healing, and new challenges through whitewater boating and other paddling sports). Here is a link to their web site: http://www.teamriverrunner.org/

 Instead of repeating that this year, we have been invited to their paddle and fundraiser at Mission Bay on November 15^th. The launch site is the beach next to the Marina (which is in front of the Barefoot Bar on Paradise Point. Registration donation for the paddle is $5 if you have your own boat, and Aqua Adventures is bringing some kayaks that can be rented for $15. If you want to stay for the party and auction, bring money for that.

 NOTE: If you have a “slightly used” kayak, or equipment, and want to donate that to the auction, take it to the patio area in front of the Barefoot Bar before 10 am, and see Brooke Sullivan. Be sure to clean up the item first please.

 If you have your own kayak, and want to take part in the paddle, party and auction, you may want to launch at Bahia Point, orAqua Adventures, and paddle to the Paradise Pt Marina for the 10 am start of their paddle. I think there is a cost to park at Paradise Point, and access to the beach may not be close from your vehicle.

Register here: http://www.paradisepoint.com/barefoot-bar-grill-specials.php#Paddle  The donation is $15.  If you bring your own kayak – it’s free!  If you don’t want to paddle, come on down to the party at 11!

It’s back! Jen Kleck just announced the dates for Baja Kayak Fest! They are offering two separate 3-day weekends so that we may keep groups small and still accommodate everyone who wants to attend!

This is a rough water event for experienced sea kayakers.  You don’t have to be a super star, but you should be comfortable paddling 10-15 miles in a day and are well-practiced at capsize recovery techniques.  You should be comfortable in small surf and bumpy water.  Our location is a rocky peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean and provides the perfect playground for kayakers!  We will offer day trips for pure fun and rock-garden play, as well as skills development courses.  Top coaches from the Pacific coast will mentor groups of 4-6 paddlers at a time!

• Festival 1: April 5-7 (driving to the location on Friday, April 4 and returning Monday night, April 7)
• Island overnight 1: Tuesday April 8-9 (transportation back to US available Wed. night)
• Islands overnight 2: Thursday April 10-11 (transportation from the US available late Wed. night)
• Festival 2: April 12-14 (driving to the location Friday, April 11 and retunring Monday night, April 14)

More information at: http://www.bajakayakfest.com/