Trip
Sea Kayak - Little River at Van Damme (Mendocino)
Epic Mendocino area kayaking destination going South out the Van Damme State Beach front. Sea arches, caves, rock-gardening options. Protected and exposed nooks to explore.
Contacts
- Mon, May 4, 2026
- Tacoma Branch Sea Kayaking Program
- Sea Kayaking
- Adults, All Who Qualify
- Sea Kayak IV/V
- Challenging
- Mileage: 8.0 nm
- Maximum Wind: 15 kts
- Maximum Waves: 3 ft
- 1 (4 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Sun, Apr 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Sun, May 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
Only register for this activity if... you are already registered for our larger week-long Mendocino Gathering: https://www.mountaineers.org/activities/activities/sea-kayak-van-damme-state-park-campground
Helmet required. Head torch optional for caves.
We are planning to head South to Disney
TIDE LINK:
CONDITIONS LINK: Refresh this just before the activity for latest conditions
https://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Big-River-1/forecasts/latest/six_day
- 5 minute drive to launch spot from Van Damme camping sites
- 9:15am'ish - Arrival (plenty of parking; port-o-potty)
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zTtQNakdUH6CDfbD6https://maps.app.goo.gl/zTtQNakdUH6CDfbD6
- Note: This is in our state park we are camping at.
- -----
- 9am - Beach Talk Ready
- We'll practice a few rescue/extraction techniques in the protected area of the bay before heading south
- We'll make on-the-water decisions of where bio/lunch breaks are
Required Equipment
These eight essentials plus The Ten Essentials are required on all sea kayaking trips. All but the whistle and clothing should be provided with any kayak rental.
- Floatation in both ends of the kayak
- U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Paddle
- Spray skirt
- Bilge pump with floatation
- Self-rescue paddle float
- Waterproof whistle
- Appropriate clothing for the conditions encountered seasonally
- Helmet