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Sea Kayak Baja Mexico
CRK's sister company south of the border is also
Mexico's
only BCU-Endorsed Center
and Nigel Dennis Expedition Centre!
programs on this page
Sea of Cortez Courses
Expedition Primer
Island Expedition
Three Islands of the Marine Park
Four Island Circumnavigation
Baja Pacific Surf Camp
BCU courses in Baja
Unguided and Custom
General Info
Travel
& Registration Info
link to photos of
Baja Pacific Surf Camp and Journey
Sea of Cortez Trips
informacion en Español
Cursos para
Guias Mexicanas
en Kayak y de Primeros Auxilios
We've been paddling, surfing, and guiding in Baja for a decade now,
and are excited to offer world-class paddling and coaching for the first
time in performance skegged boats.
Come develop your skills in Mexico!
Here are programs and places we'd love to share with you.
Baja Sea of
Cortez Programs
What better place is there to do some winter paddling than Mexico?
The Sea of Cortez is the world's youngest ocean, and the richest with
life. Mile-high mountains frame the western vista of the National Marine
Park of Loreto, whose islands and coastline and waters are the objects
of our exploration. Come experience Mexico in modern British single
kayaks with other experienced paddlers and with skilled, experienced
leaders.
Sea Kayak Baja Mexico's courses challenge paddlers' skills. Learn through
experience and coaching in the beauty of Mexico's Baja Peninsula. Choose
the skill level that best suits you, and come play! Curriculum is based
on the British Canoe Union star award requirements. Paddlers of all
traditions are welcome.
Expedition Primer
New BCU 2-star skills.
Expedition in a single kayak as a contributing member of your group!
Route includes crossings of up to 4 miles, paddling days up to 12 miles,
and layover days for custom coaching and exploring.
Danante Island, Carmen Island, and the Sierra la Giganta coast.
For paddlers with foundational boating skills and little or no independent
expedition experience,
Expedition Primer builds skill and well-founded confidence through development
of paddling technique, seamanship, and groupmanship.
| Expedition
Primer Sample Itinerary
Day 0
Travel to Loreto, meet in evening to fit-test boats; briefing
may be finished at a local restaurant.
Day 1
Taxi ride to launch. Company gear division and boat packing.
Short paddle to camping beach. Introduction to desert camping.
Afternoon exploration and/or skills workshop.
Days 2,
3 Full day paddles with stops at interesting beaches. Optional
moonlight or evening paddles.
Day 4
Layover for custom coaching, paddling empty boats, hiking, snorkeling,
or just lying on the sand and soaking in the moment.
Day 5
Optional sunrise paddle. Mid-morning crossing to Danzante Island
or coast.
Day 6
Morning paddle to take-out. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return
to hotels/campground for that well-deserved shower. Meet for
farewell dinner.
Day After. Fly out, or choose to stay and relax a while!
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Expedition Pirmer Curriculum covers
- making the most of forward and steering strokes
- boat packing
- food and meal management
- paddling in 10-15kts wind and 1-2' wind waves (as available)
- bracing, rescues, roll
- expedition decision-making
- contributing to group safety
- run by BCU level 4 coach
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6 days on the water
In the National Marine Park of the Bay of Loreto
New
BCU 2-star curriculum
Prerequisites: Full day intro to kayaking course including wet exit,
moderate physical fitness.
Sea
of Cortez Trip Pix
Dates and prices:
November 10-15, 2008. Six paddling days. $1,300.
April 19-24, 2009. Six paddling days. $1,300.
Subject to change; please email or call to confirm.
Travel
& Registration Info
Island/Coast Expedition
New BCU 3-star skills.
Relish the freedom of expedition paddling in a stunning landscape!
Route includes crossings of up to 5 miles, paddling days up to 20
miles, and layover days for custom coaching and exploring.
Danante Island, Carmen Island, and the Sierra la Giganta coast.
Designed for paddlers with solid flatwater skills and overnight experience,
Expedition Course focuses on refining boat handling techniques to handle
moderate conditions. Provides expedition experience as a foundation
to developing judgement.
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Island/Coast Expedition
Sample Itinerary
Day 0 Travel
to Loreto, meet in evening to fit-test boats; briefing may be
finished at a local restaurant.
Day 1 Taxi ride
to launch. Company gear division and boat packing. Paddle to
island. Evening introduction to desert camping.
Days 2, 3 Full
day paddles exploring the remote east side of Carmen Island
Day 4 Layover
for custom coaching, playing in empty boats, hiking, snorkeling
or just lying on the sand and being peace.
Day 5 Full day
paddle down Carmen Island and crossing to Danzante.
Day 6 Layover
on Danzante Island for circumnavigation.
Day 7 Morning
paddle to take-out. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to hotels/campground
for that well-deserved shower. Meet for farewell dinner.
Day After. Fly
out, or choose to stay and relax a while!
Curriculum covers
- boat packing
- refining boat control in 10-18kts wind and 3' wind waves
(as available)
- food and meal management
- bracing, rescues, roll
- engaging the core
- expedition decision-making
- sharing in group leadership and safety
- run by BCU level 4 coach
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6 -14 days on the water
In the National Marine Park of the Bay of Loreto
Actual number of islands visited depends on weather conditions.
New
BCU 3-star curriculum
Prerequisites: BCU 2-star award or equivalent with coach approval. Moderate
physical fitness.
Sea
of Cortez Trip Pix
Dates and prices:
April 3-10. 8 paddling days $1700.
Subject to change; please email or call to confirm.
Travel
& Registration Info
Three Islands
of the National Marine Park of the Bay of Loreto
Developing New BCU 4-star skills.
Travel with a competent, self-sufficient band of paddlers to see
the highlights of the Loreto Park.
Coronados Island, Carmen Island, and Danzante Island.
Designed for paddlers with reliable boat-handling skills in dynamic
conditions, good fitness, and overnight experience, Three Islands Course
incorporates a significant open water crossing (8 mi), paddling days
of up to 20 miles, and layover days for custom coaching and exploring.
Builds competence in open water conditions through development of paddling
technique, seamanship, and groupmanship.
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Three Islands 10
day Sample itinerary
Day 0 Travel
to Loreto, meet in evening to fit-test boats; briefing may be
finished at a local restaurant.
Day 1 Launch
& paddle to Coronados. Introduction to desert camping.
Day 2 Circumnavigation of Coronados Island past sea lion
colony.
Day 3 Crossing
to Carmen Island, 8 NM.
Day 4 Layover
for custom coaching, playing in empty boats, hiking, snorkeling
or communing with cacti.
Day 5 Full day
paddle down Carmen Island's picturesque west side, visiting
an ancient cardon cactus forest.
Day 6 Explore
Carmen Island's southeast tip with its marine fossils.
Day 7 Paddle
to coast for view of islands.
Day 8 Paddle
to Danzante Island, visiting 3 sea stacks en route.
Day 9 Layover
on Danzante Island for circumnavigation.
Day 10 Morning
paddle to take-out. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to hotels/campground
for that well-deserved shower. Meet for farewell dinner.
Day After. Fly
out, or choose to stay and relax a while!
Curriculum covers
- engaging the core
- refining boat control in conditions
- navigation
- food and meal management
- paddling in 10-20kts wind and 5' wind waves (as available)
- situation management in conditions
- expedition decision-making
- contributing to group safety, sharing in group leadership
- run by BCU level 4 coach
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8 - 12 days on the water
In the National Marine Park of the Bay of Loreto
New
BCU 4-star curriculum
Prerequisites: BCU 3-star award or equivalent with coach approval. Good
physical fitness.
Sea
of Cortez Trip Pix
Dates and prices:
December 23, 2008 - January 1, 2009. 10 paddling days $2200
Subject to change; please email or call to confirm.
Travel
& Registration Info
Four Islands Circumnavigation
of the National Marine Park of
the Bay of Loreto
Enhancing BCU 4-star skills on a 20-day journey.
Join the rhythm of the sea and the stars. Visit some of Loreto Park's
most remote places. Live free on the sea!
Truly the trip of a lifetime, this route includes Carmen Island, Danzante
Island, Coronados Island and Monserrate Island, weather permitting.
Designed for paddlers with confident rough-water skills, excellent fitness,
and expedition experience, the Four Islands Circumnavigation incorporates
several significant open water crossings (8-12 mi) and paddling days up
to 30 miles, but averaging 15.
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Curriculum covers
- navigation
- food and meal management
- paddling in 10-25kts wind and wind waves 5'+ (as available)
- bracing, rescues, rolls, and fine boat control in conditions
- expedition decision-making
- pacing for multiple long days of paddling
- contributing to group safety, sharing in group leadership
- run by BCU Level 4 coach
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20 days on the water
In the National Marine Park of the Bay of Loreto
Actual number of islands visited depends on weather conditions.
New
BCU 4-star curriculum
Prerequisites: Training at BCU 4-star level, very good physical fitness,
enjoyment of camping.
Sea
of Cortez Trip Pix
Dates and prices:
March 1-20, 2009. Twenty paddling days. $3,000.
Subject to change; please email or call to confirm.
Travel
& Registration Info
Baja Pacific
Programs
Baja Pacific Surf Camp
Developing and playing with BCU 4-star skills.
A 10-day basecamp on Baja's ruggedly beautiful Pacific coast. Sandy
beaches provide an excellent surf introduction or review. Rocky headlands
and offshore islands offer challenge and interest.
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Sample Surf Camp
Itinerary
Day 0 Arrive
in Guerrero Negro via plane or bus
Day 1 Group
rental van from Guerrero Negro to surf camp (1 hr 20 mins) or
meet at camp via rental car. Unload gear, camp orientation,
surf break etiquette & safety, boat fitting, surf play,
short kayak explorations of the nearby coastline. Group dinner
and workshop overview.
Day 2 Safe body
position, surf applications. Evening weather and swell session.
Day 3 Optional
sunrise surf session. Afternoon wind exercises. Evening basic
compass theory.
Day 4 Morning
trip to island. Afternoon launching/landing practice at various
beach types. Risk management discussion.
Day 5 Optional
sunrise surf session. Midmorning siesta. Hike to petroglyphs.
Evening journey planning.
Day 6 Journey
to Punta Rocosa or beyond. Evening off.
Day 7 Reasonable
rock hopping. Discussion: risk management applied to coastal
journeying.
Day 8 Journey
to Sta. Rosalillita, surf play.
Day 9 Coastal
playday. Farewell bonfire.
Day 10 Morning
paddle. Afternoon transportation to Guerrero Negro for flights,
or to highway for bus.
Curriculum covers
- surf zone and ettiquite
- relaxing and playing in the surf zone
- strategies for crossing the surf zone
- paddling in 10-20kts wind (as available)
- conservative rock hopping
- contributing to group safety on the sea
- run by BCU level 4 coach
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10 days on the water
on the Pacific coast of Baja in the unique Viscaino Biosphere Preserve
New
BCU 4-star curriculum
Prerequisites: BCU 3-star award or equivalent with coach approval, and
good physical fitness.
Pacific Surf Camp Trip Pix
Dates and prices:
TBA
Subject to change. Please call or email for confirmation
Logistics: Guerrero Negro is the nearest town with modern services,
and we'll be based an hour north of that.
Modern, comfortable bus from San Diego is less than $100, and should
take about 10 hours.
We can also suggest teaming up to rent a van from San Diego.
Travel
& Registration Info
BCU Courses in Baja
Winter courses with the only BCU-endorsed center in Mexico!
These trainings and assessments were originally geared towards Mexico
Kayak Guides, but everyone of appropriate skill level is welcome. It
is a kayaking and a cultural experience together. Communication will
be bilingual as necessary, and set in that pinnacle of paddling venues,
the Sea of Cortez. Course will run usually 9am to 5pm, with some evening
gatherings. Coaching and use of a quality British-design boat are included.
Lodging, transportation and food are not included, but we'd be
happy to help you figure it out.
2008 - 2009
New BCU 2* Workshop Nov 2008 exact dates TBA
New BCU 3* Workshop Nov/Dec 2008 exact dates TBA
New BCU 4* Leadership Training Dec 2008 exact dates TBA
New BCU Coach Level 1 Course (5 days including Canoe Safety Test) Nov/Dec
2008 exact dates TBA
Discovery Program
Unguided and custom events
What would you like to create?
Sea of Cortez
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With the Discovery Program, we offer the opportunity to create
and run your own expedition, with or without a safety guide or
private coach. To go without a safety guide or coach, all members
must provide, at minimum, evidence of training at the 4-star level.
At least one member must have a New BCU 4-star award. An hour
of trip consultation (phone, internet, or in person) will be added
to the unguided option. Similar certifications will be honored,
for example in ACA: Open Water Instructors and IT's.
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Discovery Program Pricing--Sea of Cortez 2008-9
per kayak per day--Nigel Dennis Kayak fiberglass
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$60
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| per kayak per day--Wilderness Systems or Valley rotomolded |
$50 |
| kayak rental includes PFD, paddle, spray deck, pump.
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| consultation (per hour min 1 hour for unguided programs) |
$50 |
| (opt) arrangement of logistics--cost of transportation and park
fees plus |
$50 |
| (opt) safety guide per day up to 6 people in group |
$300 |
| (opt) coach, level 4 per day up to 6 people in group |
$350 |
| (opt) arrangement of hotel reservations--per room per stay |
$5 |
| (opt) kitchen gear rental, with fuel, per day |
$20 |
| (opt) entire custom trip, inclusive. per person per day, 6-9 ppl.
min 5 days |
$230 |
Pacific Coast
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Paddling the Pacific Coast of Baja involves considerable risk.
Every landing involves surf, usually in excess of 4' in the winter.
Much of the coast is rocky cliff, making clapotis. The area is
extremely remote with little or no cell phone coverage, few Mexican
fishermen who may be listening to their VHF, no available weather
forecast, and very bad if any road access to much of it. Being
familiar with the area, with Pacific surf, and speaking Spanish
goes a long way here. This all contributes to why we love it here!
That and the surf breaks aren't too bad.
We are admittedly reluctant to rent out kayaks on this coast,
and do our best to thoroughly screen paddlers for your safety
as well as our peace of mind.
For unguided expeditions, we require all members to be BCU 5*
(or other organization/expedition equivalent) and we would like
to see relevant sections of your logbook.
For guided expeditions: New BCU 4* with vast surf & open coast
experience.
For basecamp rentals: New BCU 4*.
For custom basecamp coaching: New BCU 3*.
Transportation to basecamp can be challenging. We recommend renting
a car, or taking the bus with a healthy sense of adventure. Drive
time from San Diego is about 12 hours, from Loreto is about 8
hours of eye-catching scenery. We are based in Loreto from November
until mid-April. A Pacific Coast event during this season will
have a kayak transportation fee of $1,000 plus kayak rental for
the travel days. Transportation of the kayaks yourself requires
an open credit card for the value of the boat's replacement plus
importation fees plus lost revenue for any client trips cancelled
in the event of the boat's demise.
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Discovery Program Pricing--Pacific Coast
per kayak per day--Nigel Dennis Kayak fiberglass
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$60
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| per kayak per day--Wilderness Systems or Valley rotomolded |
$50 |
| kayak rental includes PFD, paddle, neporene spray deck, pump.
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| consultation (per hour min 1 hour for unguided programs) |
$50 |
| (opt) arrangement of logistics--cost of transportation plus |
$50 |
| (opt) safety guide per day up to 4 people in group |
$300 |
| (opt) coach, level 4 per day up to 4 people in group |
$400 |
| (opt) arrangement of hotel reservations--per room per stay |
$10 |
| (opt) kitchen gear rental, with fuel, per day |
$20 |
| transportation of kayaks from Loreto if necessary |
$1,000 |
to transport kayaks personally & for unguided Pacific rentals |
open credit card |
General Course Info
The number of days noted is the number of actual paddling days.
Travel and relaxation time is additional.
Travel
& Registration Info
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Included in price
Gear
Quality skegged single kayaks (doubles and rudders available with
prior arrangement)
Nigel Dennis Kayaks, Valley Kayaks, and Wilderness Systems Tempest
Kayaks
Werner paddles and Don Beale Greenland Sticks
Top quality, relatively new kayaking gear
Kitchen equipment
Coaching and Guiding
BCU certified and endorsed Level 4 coach and experienced local
guide Ginni Callahan
Other top-notch coaches and guides as necessary
Info on plants, stars, rocks, geology, sea life, history, etc.
from people who are passionate about Baja
Time dedicated to group and individual coaching
Services
Transportation between the meeting point and launch, and from
the take-out to hotel or other final destination
Menu planning, food shopping, meal organizing
Available for modest fees
Assistance in reserving hotel room or camping
Assistance in arranging any ground transportation or transfers
beyond the scope of the course
Assistance in arranging other activities (fishing, diving, whale watching, mission visits, etc)
NOT included in price
Airfare or ground transport to the meeting point
Hotel or campground
Meals in town
Gifts for the house-sitter, etc
Tips
Why paddle with Sea Kayak Baja Mexico?
Experience. Ours and yours.
Safety. Local knowledge.
Boats. Fine British boats.
Improve kayaking skills.
We have MORE FUN!!
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