Outdoors / Dec/Jan 2012
Winter Kayaking
Outdoor adventure challenges me in ways the workplace does not. It takes me out of the known and throws me into natural environments that often seem intimidating and unpredictable. Kayaking has helped me handle fear, intimidation, doubt, and physical exhaustion.
A compelling element to living the “SLO Life” is that, unlike most of the rest of the country, our outdoor sports and adventures are not confined to seasons. So here we are with winter upon us, talking about kayaking. We truly live in a glorious place! Kayaking forces me right into the swells of an ocean I love and fear all at once. It carries power that demands my respect and it hosts a diverse array of wildlife that amazes me. Our Central Coast offers a wide variety of jagged islands, crystal coves, seaside caves, ports and jetties ripe for exploration.
Originally home to the Chumash, and later becoming a famous whaling and oil port, Avila Beach now provides a sanctuary to sea life and locals alike. From Port San Luis kayakers can paddle out under the pier, alongside the bubbling lava rock cliffs, past Smith Island and continue along the jetty to the open, surging sea.
I enjoy working my way out past the tip of the jetty to head toward the historic Avila Lighthouse. Curious seals bob up and down, surveying you as you move through the water. Otters, like playful water dogs, twirl in the floating kelp beds, looking comically like whiskered old men. They slip and slide, scrubbing their face and body with their flippers with focus and attention to detail. Sea birds of many varieties flock to the jetty in such density, watching your every move. Orange starfish and purple sea urchins stud the black jetty rocks, which stand in vibrant contrast.
Many choose to stay in this sheltered bay, exploring the ins and outs of the wildlife and glassy waters. But for those seeking an adrenaline rush, find a day where the swells are large, and the wind has kicked up. This will thrust you right into the heart of the unpredictable ocean as it swells, breaks, churns, and ripples.
Avila Bay is secluded and protected by a jetty quarried from Morro Rock. Kayakers wanting to feel the contrast of the open ocean waters to the glassy calm waters of the bay can paddle out past the edge of the jetty. Depending on the force of the wind and the depth of the swells, you will need to time your entrance so you do not meet the frothy crash of the waves as they battle the unnatural rock barrier. Once out from the protection of the jetty, you feel smaller than you imagined possible.
Beyond the jetty rests the beautiful Avila Lighthouse, nestled into the mountains behind it. The large and rolling swells effortlessly pull your kayak up 15-20 feet and then leave it to slide down their backside as they move towards the shore. Never breaking but seeming to threaten, the ocean plays games. It sprays your face with icy water, and sends butterflies in your stomach as you roll up and down the largest sets of incoming waves.
To get there: From 101 take Avila Beach Drive exit and follow it for about 3 miles until you reach the town of Avila, past San Luis Bay Golf Club. Avila Beach and Port San Luis will be on your left hand side.
