Having spent most of my life between Michigan and California I've developed a strong taste for the finer things each has to offer: awesome nature + awesome

Mexican food!   

 

Kym and I have had our kayaks for almost a decade now and

while we've hit many spots up and down the coast of California

we've found there isn't a lot of info out there about where to go

and why. This site aims to bridge that gap, so you have more time  

for water exploration! 

 

And, I've found no better antidote following a good paddle than some tacos and a beer.  So, refuel by checking out the spots we recommend, and avoiding those with lower ratings! 

 

OUR RATING SYSTEM: 

                             KAYAKING: There are many things that can impact a kayak experience, and we've been careful to note weather conditions and difficulty level separate from the rating which measures overall experience, sans the context of the conditions.

 

A 5-kayak rating our highest and in order to achieve it, we'd recommend the spot on all accounts: drop in site, parking and payment ease, abundance of wildlife, overall scenery. We get that everyone's aesthetic is unique, a 5 star rating would indicate it's for everyone! A 3 is indicative of an average experience. The flat water options are so stellar in Northern Cal that we count ourselves lucky to haven't experienced anything below a 3!  Sometime we choose a 3 over a 5 due to distance from our home and time available.

 

 

                            TACOS: We love tacos just about every which way!  While we're gringos, we have experienced the ultimate: street tacos in Mexico - from Tijuana to Sayulita to Cabo.   When there was the threat of  'taco trucks on every corner' in the last presidential election, we were elated!  Our life in Oakland, CA provides close proximity to that reality and we love it.  I frequent my favorite taco truck by foot from home and appreciate that they know my order. :) 

The taco rating system is based on the whole of the experience even when the tacos may be gringo style.  Thus, authenticity level and other details (such as 'truck' vs. 'counter' vs 'full service') are separately noted. 

 

And, if you have a recommendation, please share it on the blog posts so we can review on our next trip. :)~

 

Please be sure to let us know your favorite spots, and if you visit any of our recommended kayak or taco spots what you think!