Elkhorn Slough Moss Landing

 This is the Advanced Elements StraitEdge2.  Another good deal from craigslist direct from the manufacturer used for a demo unit.  Capable of fast moving rivers and self bailing water that gets into the kayak.  This kayak was a little tricky figuring out tracking in the currents and wind. This was the first time for this kayak on the water and I 'm still learning.

 

This is one of the best places to see Sea Otters.  Elkhorn Slough has some excellent areas to kayak.  I have wanted to get on the water here for a long time after visiting the area several times to see the otters from land.

 

They have a lot of kayaks to rent here at the Monterey Bay Kayak Co.  Off Hwy 1 take the North Moss Landing boat launch right before going over the Elkhorn Slough bridge.  I visited the local shop for some advice and better gear. They have tours and classes out of this location that are very popular.  I picked up some wet suit paddling pants and water booties to keep warm when wet.

 

  

Arrived about noon and the conditions were great.  Figured out that I had the seat in backwards after spinning around in circles.  Went back to the beach and re-positioned but still didn't have the setup exactly right.  Going with the wind and current, the kayak pulled to the left. 

 

It rained yesterday and there was a gap in between storm fronts that I felt the need to take advantage of with the newer kayak.

 

I need some practice with this new kayak to figure out the balance.  Into the wind and waves, it was tracking very well but had problems when going with the current and wind.  Seems like I need to adjust the setup a bit and maybe seating position to get better tracking. It's a huge kayak for one person.  This 500lbs. load limit kayak could hold another person or 100lbs+ of gear and probably get better tracking.   

 

There were some other paddlers headed for Elkhorn Slough with the Moss Landing power plant in the background.

 

There were about a half dozen Sea Otters diving for clams in the area.  This one was floating on it's back cracking one open.  They would dive and then pop up near the kayak unexpectedly.  These are one of my favorite marine animals and it was a special day to see them out on the water.

Link to the picture album on Google:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/EKyMT4u7t9EzgTcW7

Elkhorn Slough Kayaking Info:  https://www.elkhornslough.org/recreation/kayaking/