Everything you need to know

DIRECTIONS

All classes gather at the small hand-launch ramp on the West side of the Santa Cruz Harbor. Please note there are 2 ways to access the harbor, depending on if you are going to the West or East side.

To get to the Hand Launch ramp:

Plug in “Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz” into Google maps.

Or:

Take the Ocean St./Beaches exit in Santa Cruz
Follow Ocean St. then turn left onto Soquel Ave.
Turn right onto Seabright Ave.
Take Seabright all the way towards the ocean.
Make a left onto Atlantic Ave
Follow Atlantic Ave. all the way to the end and make a left onto Mariner Park Way (into the Harbor parking lot)
Head towards the back of the parking lot near the bridge.

Santa Cruz is a tourist town and traffic can be heavy during summer months. Please give yourself plenty of time to get to the Harbor and secure parking.

PARKING

Parking at the Mariner Way launch ramp is controlled and enforced by the Santa Cruz Harbor. Please see the below map and inset photos of our launch location and locations of the “blue box” parking payment stations.

Park in a Visitor parking stall and obtain your daily parking permit from one of the blue parking kiosks. Kiosks are located near Dock FF and near the Harbor entrance (near Aldo’s restaurant). Parking kiosks accept cash or credit cards. Take the parking slip and put it on your dashboard.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

We keep it simple. We charge $70 for any of our 2 hour paddle tours with all gear and instruction included. That’s it. No hidden fees, and no extra charges for a wetsuit.

WHAT TO WEAR

Conditions will vary day to day, but a good place to start is with a swimsuit or board shorts with a lightweight, quick dry upper layer such as a rash guard, neoprene top or water-proof windbreaker. Cotton is not a wise choice.

Remember, with Stand Up Paddling, especially in the calm waters of the Santa Cruz Harbor, you do not spend extended time in the water (we’ll see to that)! With that said, we proudly offer O’Neill spring wetsuits (to the knees and elbows) at no extra cost. Over the years, we’ve found these suits to be the ideal mix for those that want the comfort of a wetsuit but do not want to overheat while paddling. Of course, you’re welcome to bring your own wetsuit.

If you have specific questions about the anticipated weather, and relatedly clothing selection, on your event date, please call us – we’re happy to work to make your experience perfect!

WHAT TO BRING

Remember, you’ll be on the water for up to 90 minutes. Here’s a check list of popular items to bring:

Water bottle or hydration pack
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Waterproof camera /phone (our PFD’s have nice pockets)
A hat
Towel
A smile

If you have specific questions about what to bring, please call us – we’re happy to work to make your experience perfect!

WHO WE SERVE

We serve all able-bodied persons, aged 13 through “you name it” who can swim and possess the minimum fitness required to stand up and remount on a wide, stable tour board. We’ve new paddlers in their 70’s get hooked, enjoy a whole new way to get outdoors and even participate in distance and race events!

If you have physical limitations, or paddlers under the age of 13, please contact us to see if we can accommodate your needs.