I’ll be in California week after next for a few days and I’d like to do some paddling if I get a chance. I’m making a couple of stops so I’m looking for paddling locations within about 2 hours of the San Jose or Orange County airports. My skills dictate that I paddle protected waters or go with a guide. Any suggestions?
Orange County
Contact Southwind for rentals. The Back Bay is very protected http://www.southwindkayaks.com/
Yep,
Southwind rents right at Newport, and the NAC (Newport Aquatics Center) can probably help you out too:
http://www.newportaquaticcenter.com/Public/publicprograms.html
Elkhorn Slough
Check out the details under Elkhorn Slough/Moss Landing at http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=chat&tid=720905
This is a bit more than an hour from San Jose, and provides some great wildlife viewing opportunities.
Sign up for a class !
– Last Updated: Aug-31-07 1:10 AM EST –
Talk to Jeff Laxier at LiquidFusionkayak or Jen at Aqua-Adventures in San Diego --- 2 hrs from John Wayne, but they could get you out on the ocean and broaden your skills. Aqua-adventures does lots of local tours in mild conditions too.
http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com/
http://www.aqua-adventures.com/tours.html
Elkhorn Slough
Monterey Bay Kayaks and the Kayak Connection both have shops at Elkhorn Slough and do rentals.
Its not a long trip, but generally against strong winds on the way back in the afternoon
that’s a good suggestion
taking a class in different settings is an excellent way to get the skills as finding a guide really limits your opportunities.
Seatrek is scenic but might be pushing the driving time,elk horn slough is a good choice
Day
Sometimes, San Diego is more than 2hrs from the OC 
Southwind has lessons as well.
If you’re paddling on a weekend, an informal group may be going out as well.