I've done the crossing a few times now, with times ranging from 3 1/4 hours
to over 7 hours. I was working WAY harder on the 7 hour crossing. In good
conditions the trip is easy, but there are currents and there can be stiff
winds.

that said, the weather is very often good. Scott is a very experienced
kayaker, so his idea of rough might be different than others.

That said, unless I'm guiding it, I'd rather take the ferry over,a and have
more time and energy to explore the islands.

Geoff


"Pool" wrote in message
...
Though it might seem a bit woosy, if these are the Islands off of Ventura,
I
remember a 'ferry' boat out there for kayakers. So if you'd rather spend
more time among the islands and less time dedicated to the journey from/to
the mainland, you could consider taking your kayak over and back on the
boat
and having more time to play among the islands.


in article , Ki Ayker at
wrote on 9/19/03 7:00 PM:

Since you live there and, obviously, paddle there as well, prehaps you
can
give us a feel for how often conditions allow for suitable paddling
conditions.


Well, Rick, I have made the crossing over to Anacapa and back perhaps a
dozen times and have never had a major problem. The last time I went out
there
I took my sixteen year old daughter with me in a double, along with a
good
friend in his single. It was really foggy that morning and we decided
that we
would launch and paddle out to the shipping lanes and decide at that
point if
we wanted to continue. By the time we got out there the visibility had
significantly improved so we continued to the island. Believe me when I
say
that I would never risk a hair on my daughters head.
Another time a couple of buddies and myself crossed back to the mainland
in
some pretty thick fog. We made the 12 NM crossing in a little over two
and a
half hours! I think the fear of crossing the shipping lanes in that low
visibility was driving us on. However, it's really not as dangerous as
it
seems.
In maybe fifteen years or so of going out there I have never had to
cancel a
trip due to weather. It happens sometimes, but probably much less then
you
think. Heck, this is Southern California! It's really not all that
difficult
of
a crossing. I know quite a few intermediate paddlers, and several
beginners,
who have done that trip. Be aware that the wind usually picks up in the
afternoon, so for the best results the crossings should be accomplished
early
in the morning.
I don't know if this is really all that interesting to the other folks
who
frequent this newsgroup so if you have any other questions regarding
this trip
please feel free to contact me directly and I will do what I can to
help.

Scott
So.Cal.