This will be a relatively short ocean paddle of about 7 miles but with some extra time on the water off Crystal Cove. High surf is expected (no surf landing) and I am curious to see how higher surf at low tide break on a couple of off shore reefs. If the waves look ridable, but don't carry a surfer all the way to shore then I may try surfing a few waves (have helmet to try this). I also plan to do a little rescue practice (solo or with others interested). You don't need to ride waves or get wet, but may then be floating for 30-60 minutes unless you are comfortable paddling back (perhaps with a fellow paddler along).

Dress for colder water temps and be comfortable in the ocean including having at least assisted rescue skills.

9:30 is the launch time so show up earlier.

Here is one I've been thinking of for a while,
Let's leave Newport (Coast Guard Bch) and go south to El Moro beach. (Next to Abalone Point. That scenic cliff that is at the headlands of Laguna). We can land on the beach and hang out a bit longer than usual. Everyone can bring some food to share and have a potluck. Round trip is about 12 miles. Beach landing at El Moro typically looks benign and does not have as many waders (obstacles) as Crystal Cove cottages..
If interested, indicate what you can bring.
NOTE: There is a beach landing here. This should be an easy landing and there should be enough people to assist if you have never done this before. But be warned, the landing is after having paddled for 6 miles. Then you have to launch through the surf and paddle the 6 miles back. How far can you paddle with a belly full of sea water?
PREREQUISITES: (1) You need to have a kayak. The rental places in Newport will not allow their kayaks out of the harbor. (2) You must be able to get back in a flooded kayak. Any one of this groups assistant organizers must have witnessed you do this some time in the recent past. If you've never done this before, sorry but you will have pass up on this trip until you can. But keep an eye out on the calendar for "Practice / Rescue Days". We often host these days where we show you how to do this and we practice this ourselves.

Ocean paddle: Dana Point to Newport Beach

start: Dana Point Youth And Group Facility
34451 Ensenada Pl Dana Point, CA 92629

end: Coast Guard Beach
1908 Bayside Dr Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

distance: 16 to 18 miles

meeting time: 9am
vehicle/shuttle-arrangement time: 9am - 10am
launch time: 10am

qualifications: If I have not met you,
email me info of your last 10-plus-mile ocean
paddles, of make and length of your boat.

We have done this paddle once before :
Ocean Paddle: Dana Point to Newport Beach
2009_04_25
http://seakayaking.meetup.com/40/calendar/10077215/

And two others with start from Newport Beach:
2008_08_23
http://seakayaking.meetup.com/40/calendar/8290321/

2007_09_29
http://seakayaking.meetup.com/40/calendar/6246764/

Only Lee or forecast of rain or small craft advisory will cancel.

cross-posting link for this paddle:
http://www.meetup.com/San-Diego-Kayakers/calendar/12182590/

Message me if you have questions, concerns, etc.