Chimney Rock on
the western tip of the Point Reyes Peninsula is the
destination of this day-long coastal clinic. The area
surrounding the point is abundant with wildlife. It
is common to see harbor seals, elephant seals, murres,
dolphin, cormorants, surf scoters and even the occasional
whale. Many people visit to the point to see the gray
whales and other wildlife, but very few get the opportunity
to experience it from the water. Our instructors love
this trip and are very excited to share it with you.
The class launches from Drakes Beach and follows the
western arc of Drakes Bay to Chimney Rock. The day
begins with an assessment of surf conditions followed
by a gear and skills review. Once on the water the
group will paddle along the shoreline catching a little
surf along the way.
At the point, under the watchful eye of your instructor,
you will paddle some of the wild rock gardens of the
California coast. There also may be time, if conditions
are right, to paddle around the point. We will lunch
on a beach close to Chimney Rock.
Time:
10am to 4pm
Price: $135
per person
Launch
Site: Drakes Beach (see Directions
for details)
Prerequisites: Intermediate Sea Kayaking and Surf Zone Fundamentals
Dates: See Calendar or call for dates
Preparing
for your Trip
The success of any journey is often based on well
prepared participants. The most important contribution
you can make is to arrive on time prepared and eager
to enjoy the class. You are responsible to bring
your own lunch, beverages, and snacks. We suggest
you bring high protein food, something warm to drink,
and plenty of water. When getting ready for your
class please double check that you understand the
directions and allow yourself plenty of travel time.
It is very important to be appropriately dressed
to insure your comfort, so please study and follow
the clothing recommendations that are provided.
Your
Instructors
PRO takes pride in the quality and skill level of
your instructors. Impeccably trained, they bring
a wealth of knowledge and proficiency to each class.
With expertise in group facilitation, natural history,
wilderness first aid and specialized kayak instruction,
your instructors are ready to provide you with a
safe and enjoyable experience. As a class’s
success and safety depends on their judgment, we
ask that you respect and support their decisions.
Our
Instruction Style
The American Canoe Association
(ACA) and the British Canoe Union (BCU) have each
developed an extensive program for sea kayak instruction.
PRO's ACA trained Scott Terriberry and BCU certified
Ted Brechbill have designed a unique curriculum
that provides a combination of both ACA and BCU
styles, offering a wide variety of techniques.
All our classes and clinics utilize aspects of both
programs. You will receive some of the best instruction
on the west coast. The combination of small class
sizes and highly qualified instructors provides
you with individualized attention that maximizes
your learning opportunity.
Directions
The following are directions to Drakes Beach. Have
a safe and enjoyable drive and Please do your best
to be on time!
Southern
Marin County
From HWY 101 take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. west for
approximately 20 miles to the junction of HWY 1
in Olema. Turn right (north) on HWY 1 Travel ½
mile to Bear Valley Road, You will see the Point
Reyes National Seashore visitor center sign, turn
left onto Bear Valley Road. Drive 2.5 miles to the
stop sign at Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and turn left.
Drive through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness
and watch your speed. Approximately 13 miles past
Inverness you will see the sign for Drakes Beach.
Take a left and follow the road for 1.5 miles to
the beach parking lot, You will see the trailer
and our guides waiting for you. It takes about hour
from HWY 101 in Central Marin County and about 1
½ hours from the Golden Gate Bridge to the
beach.
Northern
Marin County
From Novato take Novato Blvd. west approximately
8 miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Turn left
and continue west for 10 miles to the junction of
HWY 1. Turn left on HWY 1 and travel through Point
Reyes Station to Sir Francis Drake Blvd., just after
the green bridge. Turn right on Sir Francis Drake.
Drive through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness
and watch your speed. Approximately 13 miles past
Inverness you will see the sign for Drakes Beach.
Take a left and follow the road for 1.5 to the beach
parking lot. You will see the trailer and our guides
waiting for you. It takes about an hour from 101
in Novato.
Southern
Sonoma County
From Petaluma go west on D Street which turns into
Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. Continue west for 14
miles to the junction of HWY 1. Turn left on HWY
1 and travel through Point Reyes Station to Sir
Francis Drake Blvd., just after the green bridge.
Turn right on Sir Francis Drake. Drive through the
towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and watch
your speed. Approximately 13 miles past Inverness
On Sir Francis Drake Blvd. you will see the sign
on you left for Drakes Beach. Take a left and follow
the road for 1.5 miles to the beach parking lot.
You will see the kayak trailer and our guides waiting
for you. It takes about an 1 1/2
hours from Petaluma to the launch site.
Terms
and Payment
Point Reyes Outdoors, LLC reserves the right to change
an itinerary or cancel any trip due to: weather, acts
of god, inadequate sign up, or any unforeseen problems
that would make the trip unsafe for its participants.
In such cases clients will be offered either credit
toward a future trip or a full refund.
PRO has a six
day client cancellation policy on all trips and classes.
There are no exceptions to this policy. If you cancel
within this period you will be charged in full and
issued a credit for a future event. We accept Visa
and Master Card, cash or checks. Gratuities are not
included in the cost of the trip and there is no obligation
to tip your guides but many people do. The industry
standard is in the range of 10% but any amount will
be greatly appreciated
