Lb2cat
Don't know the addresses but can give directions. Both Marine Stadium and Davey's Launch Ramp are just north of Second St, west of PCH.
By land:
North on 405 to 22 West until the freeway ends which becomes 7th St. Left at PCH (south) to Westminster Ave/2nd St. Turn right and make a quick right at the first street. There will be a sign saying "Davey's Launch Ramp". Make sure your have a $10 bill for the machine to raise the gate. If going to Marine Stadium, make the second right(over the bridge) after you've turned on Westminster Ave/2nd St and follow the street as it directs you to Marine Stadium. The only drawback to these two ramps is that it's a long, slow, wakeless zone to get out to the coast (about 25 mninutes).
DOWNTOWN LAUNCH RAMP
The best place to meet/launch for a Catalina run is a liitle further of a drive on the freeway but is better due to the very short wakeless zone (5 minutes) is the Downtown Launch Ramp.
By land:
North on the 405 to the 710 South all the way to the end of that freeway. There will be signs for the Queen Mary offramp. Use that offramp but when you get to the end of it, make sure to look for the sign saying "boat launch ramp". I believe it's a left turn at the end of the offramp. Then it gets a little tricky so go slow and keep looking at the posted signs. I have missed it a couple of times and ended up going either north on the 710 or west across the LA River into LB, by mistake. Maybe if it's decided to use this launch ramp, which I reccomend, we can meet at a location before the launch ramp and those whose wish to, can follow me there. (I promise I won't get lost again). Again, $10 for ramp fee.
BTW,
It is always best to leave for Catalina as early as possible (7-8AM) and return fairly early in the day as well. A few other tips:
1. Have a buddy system where you pair up and try to keep an eye on your buddy so nobody gets too far separated from his buddy.
2. Everyone, but at LEAST one of the two buddies, should have a GPS and know how to use it for navigation.
3. Everyone should have a VHF radio or a charged cellphone.
4. It is a good idea to wear a wetsuit or at least have one in your storage compartment on your ski.
Other HIGHLY recommended items to have either attached to you or on/in your ski:
gloves
boots
goggles/sunglasses
plenty of water
flares (required when going past breakwater)
horn, whistle, orange flag, signal mirror
energy bars
helmet (I prefer to wear one)
tow rope
tool kit
duct tape
tie wraps
Optional, but good idea items:
dive mask, fins
membership in tow service (Towboat US, SeaTow etc.)
extra oil, spark plugs (especially for 2 strokes)
cash, credit cards for fuel
Hope this helps. Will post more if I think of anything else. Not trying to be a "know-it-all" but I have had to learn the hard way on a few of these things.
OK to PM or e-mail me if you want.
Let's ride.
T C
