California Caving

January 2009

Day Trip #4: Kayaking Shell Beach, California

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

By Chuck Graham

Above: Elephant Arch; top: Dinosaur Caves.

Located just north of Pismo Beach, California, a throng of craggy sea caves, rock arches, guano-covered pinnacles and rock outcroppings characterize the ruggedly beautiful coastline of Shell Beach. Resident’s homes hover above the wave-battered configurations and a bevy of seabirds roost and nest in the fissures and alcoves of this concentrated paddling playground.

The inshore waters of Shell Beach are heavily fortified by dense kelp beds, feeding grounds for hungry southern sea otters, inquisitive sea lions and harbor seals found throughout the region. The kelp forest also helps keep the perpetual northwest winds at bay, maintaining ideal paddling conditions along Shell Beach.

Routes

From the bottom of Cuyama Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, a short staircase leads to the beach, your put-in for exploring the grottos and fauna of Shell Beach. This put-in is for all levels of paddling ability. The out-and-back route is approximately three to four miles round-trip, but with the number of sea caves and arches between, you could spend the entire day out here spelunking toothy grottos and watching wildlife.

The best caving is just east of Cliff Avenue. It’s actually known as Dinosaur Caves, and I have to admit that the Shell Beach grottos do appear as if prehistoric critters inhabit these weathered caverns.

Tips and Hazards

Before entering the water watch for breaking waves, then find a channel to paddle through to avoid any surf. Aim for the outside of the kelp beds to clear the surf. For the sea caves, timing the surf is everything. When the kelp beds rise on the horizon, you know a set of waves is approaching. If you don’t want to paddle in the surf, wait for the set of waves to wash through, but if you want to experience the thrill of riding the wild surf, then have at it. Any paddling inside sea caves should only be done with a helmet. When inside a grotto and a wave breaks, make sure the bow of your kayak is facing straight into the wave and you’re paddling with forceful strokes.

When in the company of wildlife, keep the noise level to a minimum so the critters are comfortable. Keep your movements gradual and don’t create a lot of splash with your paddle. If you need a rest and want to stretch your legs, there are several small beaches located along the route.

A guide at the Channel Islands National Park, Chuck Graham is also a freelance writer and photographer in Carpinteria, CA.