BajaNomad

Water toys for beach campers, which ones and rent or bring your own?

Sailorv - 3-13-2019 at 12:39 PM

Looking for opinions or observations of what seems to be the favorite water toy for beach campers? I am thinking between Mulege and La Paz. I like to sail, want to keep it simple and not trailer anything. I have an SUV, planning to tent camp. Hopefully a month long trip.

Windsurfer paddle board? Kayak?
Bring my own or are rentals available?
Also, are Hobie Cats (or other small day sailors, such as dinghies or small keel boats up to 25') available to rent?
Thanks!

David K - 3-13-2019 at 01:34 PM

If you can bring your own, then you will have them and can use them when you want.

If you hope to rent things, in Baja, well... you may be in for a disappointment. There just aren't those options at most places... Mostly just in the big city beaches (Rosarito, Ensenada, La Paz, Cabo) with also East Cape and La Ventana, perhaps?

JZ - 3-13-2019 at 10:26 PM

Inflatable Zodiac and a 10hp engine.

Have spent hundreds of days exploring bays in ours with the wife and the kids. It's an 11 footer and will run about 23 mph with a 10hp engine. Get a 2 stoke if you can find one, they are about 15 pounds lighter.

Your appreciation and prospective of Baja and the Sea Cortez will be expanded immensely. You can see and experience so much more than you can just sitting on a beach. So many cool things to explore, like caves and different coves you can't get to from land.

We have a kayak too, but the Zodiac is 50x more fun. Put your tunes and cooler on it as well.





[Edited on 3-14-2019 by JZ]

[Edited on 3-14-2019 by BajaNomad]

fishbuck - 3-14-2019 at 12:05 AM

Yep.

defrag4 - 3-14-2019 at 12:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Inflatable Zodiac and a 10hp engine.

Have spent hundreds of days exploring bays in ours with the wife and the kids. It's an 11 footer and will run about 23 mph with a 10hp engine. Get a 2 stoke if you can find one, they are about 15 pounds lighter.

Your appreciation and prospective of Baja and the Sea Cortez will be expanded immensely. You can see and experience so much more than you can just sitting on a beach. So many cool things to explore, like caves and different coves you can't get to from land.

We have a kayak too, but the Zodiac is 50x more fun. Put your tunes and cooler on it as well.




[Edited on 3-14-2019 by JZ]


im in the market for something like this right now as well JZ, hopefully I can find something I can either throw on the roof of my Ranger or deflate and cram in the bed topper

came across this little combo which looked to be in pretty good shape, not sure on pricing for this kinda stuff? what do you think?

https://bajasur.craigslist.org/boa/d/brand-new-motor-and-din...





[Edited on 3-14-2019 by defrag4]

[Edited on 3-14-2019 by BajaNomad]

defrag4 - 3-14-2019 at 01:30 AM

another one i came across on marketplace



[Edited on 3-14-2019 by BajaNomad]

basautter - 3-14-2019 at 05:51 AM

Careful with buying an inflatable. The rubberized fabric eventually wears out. I opt for a small aluminum boat with an outboard. Smaller ones can fit on top of a car or camper trailer and can be launched on the beach without a ramp. If you have one on a trailer, it can be used to carry extra cargo (you may want to ad additional rollers/skids to beef it up). I prefer a ~14 footer with a v-hull, preferably a long shaft. Klamath makes a nice 14 footer. If you go this way, I recommend replacing the light axel with something that will support at least 15 inch rims. You can match your vehicle so you can share a spare, or have an extra one that fits both. Have fun!

BajaBlanca - 3-14-2019 at 08:32 AM

Zodiaks are so much fun! You do get to see so much more. Les has an inflatable to sell that was hardly used, with a 4 stroke engine. Feel free to email him at bajabocana@gmail.com for photos and/or information if you are interested. It has been sitting in the garage for years.

pacificobob - 3-14-2019 at 08:45 AM

i have a 10' avon (hypalon) and a 9.9 suzuki. launching wheels and large fuel tank included $1000usd located in el pescadero. PMme

[Edited on 3-14-2019 by pacificobob]

wilderone - 3-14-2019 at 09:02 AM

A whitewater kayak isn't as long or as heavy as a touring kayak - will get you down the beach to explore, around the corner, out to a nearby island, play in the surf on a windy day. Of course, a snorkel/mask; I always bring a canvas surf mat for snorkeling, play in the surf, and can use as a sleeping pad. I've taken an inflatable Sevylor kayak too.

John Harper - 3-14-2019 at 09:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
I've taken an inflatable Sevylor kayak too.


I had one I used a couple times.. No keel means no tracking, hard to keep a steady line. Wind will blow you way off course. Have to watch inflation pressure with sun on the main chambers. It was and amusing toy for a while, but just not practical IMO. With two paddlers it was a real problem keeping headed straight, you end up spinning a lot.

John

HeyMulegeScott - 3-14-2019 at 09:19 AM

We love our inflatable paddleboards for exploring in Baja. Ditch the motor powered options and you will be amazed at what you can hear on the open water. We have often heard whales and dolphins before seeing them.

HeyMulegeScott - 3-14-2019 at 09:27 AM

Kayaks are a good option too but standing up gives you a better perspective on the underwater marine life.

Inflatable Wear

MrBillM - 3-14-2019 at 09:39 AM

I bought a West Marine 10'2" and towed it frequently behind my Sailboat in SD for 3 years before taking it to Baja and using there on and off for a couple more without any signs of significant wear.

Chartering in the BVIs, many of the inflatables supplied with the boats leased had inflatables that had seen constant service for many years and were still in good or decent condition.

Rocks (and Coral in the Caribbean) are a consideration, of course, when considering an inflatable versus a hard dinghy.

Alm - 3-14-2019 at 12:08 PM

Bring your own kayak or windsurfer or paddleboard on top. Rentals have "some" kayaks and and windsurfers, Hoby Cat I doubt you will find.

Are you going to paddle/surf while leaving your SUV and tent on the beach? Not a good idea, unless this is some really secure "kind of gated" area with no through-traffic, but those are usually RV-friendly, not tent-friendly. Or a very remote area. Though I had stuff from my tent stolen in a place that looked secluded, no structures of any kind or people. They see more than you do.

Sailorv - 3-14-2019 at 03:24 PM

Thanks so much everyone!

Yes, an inflatable dinghy with outboard certainly sounds like fun. I just don't know if I want something so large.

I am leaning towards an I inflatable sup with a kayak seat.
I do love sailing, they make, although pretty pricey, some inflatable sups with windsurfer kits. Anyone seen people using those? Essentially I would then have 3 options pending wind.

Anyone windsurfing between Mulege and LP? Or would I need to get down to La Ventana?

Alm and others, yes I plan on being alone and intended on leaving my tent and locking up valuables in the SUV. Is that a high risk idea?

HeyMulegeScott - 3-14-2019 at 03:46 PM

Men's Journal mentioned this iSup has a windsurf option - https://www.fanatic.com/product/ray-air/#productDetailsTabs3

I don't see why you couldn't windsurf in Concepcion Bay. Some of the beaches are more protected from the prevailing winds than others.

Stay at a beach with a good little community of neighbors who can watch your rig during the day and lock up at night.

freediverbrian - 3-14-2019 at 04:54 PM

I love a sit on top kayak for exploring the coast . Better than a white water boat easy to get in and out of lots of room for your stuff . A deep vee boat better for going in up wind .Get a seat and good paddle well worth it. Learn how to paddle , push with the top hand not a pull with the bottom hand . Have fun

[Edited on 3-15-2019 by freediverbrian]

BajaMama - 3-14-2019 at 05:27 PM

I have a paddle board I keep at the Baja house, but I just purchased a ridged bottom inflatable kayak. Can't wait to use it!

defrag4 - 3-14-2019 at 05:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv  
Thanks so much everyone!

Yes, an inflatable dinghy with outboard certainly sounds like fun. I just don't know if I want something so large.

I am leaning towards an I inflatable sup with a kayak seat.
I do love sailing, they make, although pretty pricey, some inflatable sups with windsurfer kits. Anyone seen people using those? Essentially I would then have 3 options pending wind.

Anyone windsurfing between Mulege and LP? Or would I need to get down to La Ventana?

Alm and others, yes I plan on being alone and intended on leaving my tent and locking up valuables in the SUV. Is that a high risk idea?


dont know much about wind surfing but there sure has been plenty of wind this year all along the gulf coast

RnR - 3-15-2019 at 07:50 AM

We have windsurfed and kited both Baja coasts for over twenty years. For the first part of those twenty years, windsurfing was the focal point of the trip.

With a few exceptions, the Bay of Conception is not a good place to windsurf. Most of the camping beaches are either sheltered from the wind or fully exposed to direct onshore winds. The one good exception is Playa Naranjas at the mouth of the bay. Clean, sideshore winds with an easy launch. Another spot is El Requeson/La Perla but it is a bit more difficult to get away from the beach.

The best spot in the Mulege area is out at Punta Chivato The camping beach provides an easy launch.

Haven't yet found a good, reliable spot around Loreto.

The 'all star' spots are obviously La Ventana and Los Barriles. However, the conditions at these two places may be too extreme for an inflatable SUP type of windsurfer.

There may be rental windsurfers available at Ventana Windsports if you get here before they close for the season. Ventana Windsports

Punta Chivato -



[Edited on 3-15-2019 by RnR]

[Edited on 3-24-2019 by RnR]

David K - 3-15-2019 at 07:57 AM

Oh be careful with photos showing driving on a beach! The MtGoat666 will attack! LOL

(looks like a great campsite)

RnR - 3-15-2019 at 08:12 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
(looks like a great campsite)


It was, circa 2000....

You can still camp here, (I think), but there are now houses directly above and behind this site.

David K - 3-15-2019 at 08:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by RnR  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
(looks like a great campsite)


It was, circa 2000....

You can still camp here, (I think), but there are now houses directly above and behind this site.


Russ showed me the beaches by the homes and the one that faces north towards San Marcos Island...

JZ - 3-15-2019 at 01:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv  
Thanks so much everyone!

Yes, an inflatable dinghy with outboard certainly sounds like fun. I just don't know if I want something so large.

I am leaning towards an I inflatable sup with a kayak seat.
I do love sailing, they make, although pretty pricey, some inflatable sups with windsurfer kits. Anyone seen people using those? Essentially I would then have 3 options pending wind.

Anyone windsurfing between Mulege and LP? Or would I need to get down to La Ventana?

Alm and others, yes I plan on being alone and intended on leaving my tent and locking up valuables in the SUV. Is that a high risk idea?


A zodiac is infinitely more fun than a kayak.

Alm - 3-16-2019 at 12:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv  
yes I plan on being alone and intended on leaving my tent and locking up valuables in the SUV. Is that a high risk idea?

Tent without any stuff in it will be there when you return. Too much hassle for thieves to fold it and too little value. But tents without stuff in it sometimes are trying to fly away, literally. You can't use stakes in sand, there is a different technique for that.

Locked SUV with stuff visible in there will be enticing them to break in.

Beach with any road access will be a risk, who knows how high... I camped on a beach with foot access, when kayaking. No road. So the guy came on foot - I saw the footprints. Was probably sitting in the bush, waiting for me to look the other way.

You will be pretty safe when camping on a rock with sea access only. Or San Marcos island. Some sit-on-top kayaks and whitewater kayaks are capable of carrying enough stuff for overnight trip, but you better buy and test it home first, to see how it handles and how to pack it. It's about 4 miles by sea from secure camp of San Lucas to San Marcos Island.

Can't suggest inflatable SUP, not my cup of tea.

Edit - PS: after typed "inflatable SUP", I remembered that there are inflatable kayaks out there. Funny looking, inexpensive, though decent ones cost over $600. People usually buy a 2-seater for one-person overnight trip because fat balloons take useful cargo space. Check Gumotex models - Inova Helios II, Inova Seawave. There are also Chinese thingies like Sea Eagle SE370 and Sevylor Coleman, so cheap that this is scary. Discussion forums are http://foldingkayaks.org/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=33&sid=2b... or http://westcoastpaddler.com/community/

[Edited on 3-16-2019 by Alm]

mtgoat666 - 3-16-2019 at 10:32 AM

Quote: Originally posted by freediverbrian  
I love a sit on top kayak for exploring the coast . Better than a white water boat easy to get in and out of lots of room for your stuff . A deep vee boat better for going in up wind .Get a seat and good paddle well worth it. Learn how to paddle , push with the top hand not a pull with the bottom hand . Have fun

[Edited on 3-15-2019 by freediverbrian]


Sit on tops are heavy and slow. They are slow because they are wide, wide because newbies want stability or fishermen want stability. Try a good touring sit-inside kayak (narrow), much more efficient, faster. Learn how to roll and self-rescue a kayak and you can venture far offshore.
Learn how to do a proper forward stroke, use your torso, not just your arms.

You can rent quality touring kayaks in loreto and la paz.

JZ - 3-16-2019 at 08:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Three2tango  
Ditch the motor powered options and you will be amazed at what you can hear on the open water. We have often heard whales and dolphins before seeing them.



Cool pic. Agree with hearing the sounds of the ocean. Remember, you can turn the engine off anytime you want and drift, paddle, or just drop the anchor and chill.

JZ - 3-16-2019 at 08:24 PM

Some pics from the dinghy.




































[Edited on 3-17-2019 by JZ]

Alm - 3-17-2019 at 10:44 AM

The grotto looks like the one on San Marcos island.

The island is well worth exploring. 1 or 2 hours of (relatively) easy paddle from San Lucas camps - there are three and you can leave you car there. Showers and flush toilets on camps. With a kayak this would be more like an an overnight trip. Several bays and coves suitable for landing and camping. Don't camp on the exposed East side - winds may pick up suddenly. There is a "civilized" beach at the Southern tip, with palapas if it gets too hot - not likely to happen in winter. Other than a handful of workers of gypsum mine and sometimes fishermen in the cove at the Northern tip , in winter you could be the only one there.

[Edited on 3-17-2019 by Alm]

Sailorv - 4-1-2019 at 10:54 AM

Hey all, thanks for help. I am going with a Hobie pedal kayak.
See ya down there hopefully soon beach camping.

That reminds me. Any decent marine life still around in May? And how how hot is June, really?

Alm - 4-1-2019 at 11:29 AM

Consider a very good mid-cart with big wheels for Hobie. Like all sit on tops, it is heavy and awkward to handle ashore.

June temps vary depending on location. https://www.sailflow.com/ -> left click station location -> left click on a little window of that station -> left click on Archives -> June 2018 -> Air temp.

defrag4 - 4-4-2019 at 10:59 AM

JZ inspired me to hunt down an inflatable, and Pacificobob had one for sale!

bajanomad serendipity came together and now were out here mobbing around Loreto in our new water toy :)

thanks guys!







[Edited on 4-4-2019 by defrag4]

David K - 4-4-2019 at 11:35 AM

Super!!!:bounce::bounce:

JZ - 4-4-2019 at 10:44 PM

Very nice. Another pro tip, nothing better than sex on the dinghy late at night. You bend them over the tubes. Jump in the water for a swim afterwards and gaze up at the stars, Pacifico in hand. Best if it's a really hot, humid night.



[Edited on 4-5-2019 by JZ]

mtgoat666 - 4-4-2019 at 11:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Nice. Another tip, nothing better than sex on the dinghy late at night. You bend them over the tubes.


Jizzy,
The ladies must swoon when you woo them with your dinghy :lol:

Bent Over from Behind ?

MrBillM - 4-5-2019 at 09:12 AM

The favorite when the Boys get together ?

BigBearRider - 4-10-2019 at 10:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv  
Thanks so much everyone!

Yes, an inflatable dinghy with outboard certainly sounds like fun. I just don't know if I want something so large.

I am leaning towards an I inflatable sup with a kayak seat.
I do love sailing, they make, although pretty pricey, some inflatable sups with windsurfer kits. Anyone seen people using those? Essentially I would then have 3 options pending wind.

Anyone windsurfing between Mulege and LP? Or would I need to get down to La Ventana?

Alm and others, yes I plan on being alone and intended on leaving my tent and locking up valuables in the SUV. Is that a high risk idea?


I understand that Punta Chivato was once a popular destination for windsurfers.

Mulege Canuck - 4-11-2019 at 10:55 AM

I like the way you think JZ. Will have to “break in” my inflatable.

Your so politically incorrect you could almost be Canadian. Love it!