Expeditions

In September 2010 a team of California-based paddlers will attempt to be the first team to visit all of the Channel Islands of California by kayak.

Story courtesy of Kokatat

If time and weather conditions allow, part of the team may attempt a route that circumnavigates the entire island archipelago, a total distance of approximately 470 miles.

The 4 islands of the northern group; San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz and Anacapa along with the northern-most of the southern group, Santa Barbara make up the Channel Islands National Park. In addition to Santa Barbara Island, the islands in the southern group include Santa Catalina Island (commonly know just as Catalina), San Nicolas and San Clemente. The latter two are under the control of the US Navy and this is probably the main reason why no-one to our knowledge has attempted this challenge before now.

It is not lawful to land on either San Nicolas or San Clemente so the team will have to paddle to and return from each of these islands without getting out of their kayaks, covering distances up to 80 nautical miles which will take in excess of 20 hours. They will be raising funds for the Channel Islands National Park which is dedicated to enhancing the awareness and understanding of the California Channel Islands.

The decision to attempt this challenge in early fall was based on this period typically has the best potential for good weather, fewer foggy days than summer and hopefully less wind. There will also be less daylight so it will be necessary to paddle at night during some of the longer crossings.

The basic plan for the route is as follows: leave Gaviota and cross to San Miguel, paddle down through the archipelago visiting each island (Sean will attempt to circumnavigate), cross back to mainland from Catalina to San Pedro (Sean will return to Gaviota via the northern islands). You can view the proposed route on Gmaps Pedometer.

For expedition updates go to www.Kokatat.com and www.expeditionkayak.com.