San Lorenzo River Paddle Series

Next Step To Explore Recreational Access To The Lower San Lorenzo River

SANTA CRUZ – The Coastal Watershed Council (CWC), which formed the San Lorenzo River Alliance in December 2013, announced completion of the 2014 River Paddle Series. The River Paddle Series has included once a month paddle events on the lower San Lorenzo River to gauge community interest and other factors to consider should paddling become legal. CWC worked with the City of Santa Cruz, also a member of the San Lorenzo River Alliance (SLRA), to plan and host the paddle series over recent months.

The paddle series was a pilot, offering the opportunity to learn about ideal launch spots for row and paddle boats, the effects of varying water levels on paddling, the level of community interest, concerns about wildlife impacts, boater safety, and logistics including the need for restroom facilities and parking.

The inaugural public paddle event was held on October 12, 2013 when 50 participants kayaked, rowed and paddled their way from the launch point at San Lorenzo Park to the Boardwalk and back. Water enthusiasts of all ages, local officials and paddle pros alike were ecstatic during the event, enjoying the river and their community from a new perspective. Paddlers enjoyed similar events once a month throughout the spring and summer.

“We’ve learned a lot, even more than we had hoped. The best part is, people are talking about the river more,” said Greg Pepping, Executive Director of the Coastal Watershed Council. “Other communities have a thriving urban riverfront. We can have that here, and this community conversation means all of us are creating that future together. That possibility is what the San Lorenzo River Alliance is all about.”

The last event of the paddle series scheduled for September 13 has been canceled to fully assess lessons from past events, and in consideration of wildlife concerns and general conditions in the river. CWC, the City of Santa Cruz, other SLRA partners and members of the community will continue to work together to evaluate the best steps going forward, including how potential paddle events can be tailored based on findings from the pilot series and other research.

The 2014 River Paddle Series was designed to learn more about how to increase access to the river for residents and visitors. The series was made possible by a special permit through the City of Santa Cruz, in accordance with current City ordinances governing recreational access to the river. No changes to those ordinances have been proposed.

Learn more about recreational access to the river and about the work of the San Lorenzo River Alliance at www.sanlorenzoriver.org, by calling the Coastal Watershed Council at (831) 464-9200 or by emailing tours@coastal-watershed.org.