California’s North Coast can be so forbidding; sheer cliffs wreathed in fog, cold stormy seas pounding treacherous reefs and unrelenting miles of often steep beach that offer few places to find shelter.

Trinidad Head

And then you come to Trinidad Head. I can only imagine how relieved the crews of the Spanish naval expedition ships the Santiago and the Sonora, commanded by Bruno de Hezeta and Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra were when they found the natural harbor afforded by this high rocky promontory back in 1775. I often think of those early explorers and wonder what they thought of what I consider to be a stunningly beautiful coastline. Of course much of it has changed beyond recognition but there are pockets that remain largely unscathed by Man’s endeavors and it is those pockets that sea kayaks allow us to access.

Trinidad Harbor looking south

Protected from all but the rare south swell, Trinidad Harbor is a perfect launch to explore some of those pockets. The coastline immediately south of the Head is one of the finest rock garden zones on the west coast with too many features to count and it makes for a perfect teaching location and playground for Explore North Coast, the local sea kayaking club that calls this place home. Every weekend they gather for ‘Sunday Service’, and recently I was fortunate enough to lead one of these reverential forays and share my secular views on the world of rock and surf with this extremely welcoming, skillful and knowledgeable crowd.

Explore North Coast

It just so happens that just south of Trinidad Head lies Humboldt Bay and Arcata, home to Kokatat and I am certain that Kokatat’s proximity to such an amazing coastline is one reason why they continue to produce the finest clothing and accessories for sea kayakers found anywhere.

The Karma RG in its natural setting.

Jackson Kayak’s Karma RG proved once again to be the star attraction and may have recruited a few more disciples to its message of fun and performance.

Thanks to Humboldt Bay's finest outdoor sports emporium Adventure’s Edge for inviting me to teach and if you want to learn more about the spectacularly beautiful North Coast check out ‘Sea Kayaking the Redwood Coast’ by Explore North Coast - http://www.explorenorthcoast.net/

Thousands of murres roosting on the reefs off Trinidad Head