Channel Islands Harbor increases access for kayakers, paddle boarders. Courtesy photo
OXNARD — Launching a kayak and paddle board at the Channel Islands Harbor just got easier thanks to a tentative agreement reached between the California Coastal Commission and the Ventura County Harbor Department.
The tentative agreement creates a temporary launch lane for kayakers and paddle boarders at the Harbor’s Kiddie Beach, located at the northwest corner of Victoria Avenue and San Nicolas Avenue. Prior to the tentative agreement, Kiddie Beach was reserved for swimming only. A sign has been placed at Kiddie Beach, providing direction on where to launch.
Ventura County District 5 Supervisor Zaragoza, who represents the Channel Islands Harbor, met with community members and hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 15, 2018 to celebrate the temporary launch lane. In addition, community members conducted a ceremonial first launch.
Supervisor Zaragoza said the temporary launch lane will increase access to residents and visitors of the Harbor.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to increase access to the community of kayakers and paddle boarders, particularly the elderly and disabled,” Supervisor Zaragoza said. “This portion of Kiddie Beach at the Harbor has been long coveted by those community members, as it is the easiest way for them to launch.”
Before the approval of the temporary launch lane, Kiddie Beach was reserved for swimming only. Kayakers and paddle boarders were required to launch at several day docks, the launch ramp, and Hobie Beach. Hobie Beach is located just north of Kiddie Beach, but launching a kayak became difficult in recent years as sand wasn’t being retained due to an erosion issue. In April 2018, the Harbor Department sent a request to the California Coastal Commission asking for a temporary launch lane at Kiddie Beach while a permanent solution to Hobie Beach could be reached.
All other launching options around the Harbor will also remain available to the public.