Learn to paddle
Outrigger Santa Cruz welcomes new paddlers!
Newcomers are invited to paddle with us for one free introductory paddle on either the 1st or 3rd Sunday of every month at 9:00 AM. We will ask you to fill out a NCOCA liability waiver with Outrigger SC addendum, and we will provide you with a paddle, instruction, and a fun morning. We'll return back to the harbor shortly before noon.Location
Meet at Santa Cruz Harbor on Lake Avenue at the equipment shed (next to Dock N), on the Crow's Nest side of the harbor.Suggested wear
• Footwear that is lightweight and can be worn in the water, such as thongs and reef shoes. In the winter, wear neoprene booties.• Comfortable clothing that allows movement: shorts, tee shirt or rash guard, and a sun hat or visor on warm days; on colder days, slightly warmer clothing such as a long sleeve rash guard, wool or synthetic beanie, and windbreaker. (We warm up quickly as we paddle!)
• In the winter, layer with fleece, neoprene, nylon, and other synthetics. Wool is fine, but synthetics are lighter, warmer, and retain less water. Even if you wear a wetsuit, carry along an extra water-and-windproof outer layer.
• Wear no cotton! When wet, it stops being an insulator, and instead becomes a heat conductor.
• A strap for your glasses or sunglasses.
• A bottle of water.
• Sunscreen
Recreational paddling
After your first free paddle, you are welcome to join us on our Recreational outings on subsequent Sunday mornings as a drop-in paddler. Drop-in fees are $10.00 per session. And if you join our recreational program, you can participate in all our recreational outings. The recreational program provides opportunity for members to learn basic paddle technique, to paddle for fitness, view ocean wildlife, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow paddlers. See our schedule. If you join, you can apply your drop-in payments toward your first year’s dues.Keiki paddling
In the summer months, our paddling schedule includes outings for Keiki's (children and young adults, ages 6-17). We also host a summer camp in conjunction with the Santa Cruz Parks & Rec programs. Look for information in the late spring on our website and in the Santa Cruz Parks & Rec course listing.
