Santa Cruz : locations saisonnières

Beginner Surfing l is our popular 3-hour surf clinic. So what will you be learning? This clinic was designed with the beginner in mind – we welcome complete newbies as well as people who have tried surfing on their own for a while and still need help. We will walk you through all the basics to get you started and catching waves! There will be a short land-lesson to start, and after that we'll head out to catch some waves. You'll get approximately 1:45-2 hours of "water time" in the 3-hour class. FAQ: Why are some of these class times SOOO early?! Answer: When it comes to surfing, mother nature sets a lot of the rules - that's what makes it such a unique sport. If we don't go on the right tide, we won't get any waves! While those early morning sessions might be hard to wake up for, they are also truly magical. Great surf conditions, no wind, no crowds - it is about as epic as it gets. If you make the commitment go early, we can promise you'll be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime!

We'll begin with an introduction to each other and the map of the park, then begin hiking on a well-used dirt road in the open sunshine. After about 20 minutes, we'll drop onto a single-track, heavily-forested trail where we most likely will not see other people. I'll stop frequently to point out various interesting flora and fauna; maybe we'll even see a banana slug! We'll take time to silently listen to the sounds of the forest and leave a hope, wish or prayer in a rock garden. Along the way you will learn how this redwood forest re-grew after being clear-cut in the mid 1800's to fuel lime kilns to extract lime out of limestone. We’ll cross several small streams - all spring fed - and visit a natural spring. I'll point out the different types of terrain and the types of plants that grow in each and I promise a few surprises along the way! Other things to note Dress in layers. Wear sturdy hiking boots and long pants with socks. There is no restroom anywhere in the park. Dogs on leash are welcome – please be prepared to clean up after your dog. If my dates/times do not work for you and you want a tour, please feel free to contact me and I'll work with you.

My tour is a 2mile one-way tour. You will start your tour on footpath that runs along the San Lorenzo River next to an old trestle. This is a unique and less visited area that is full of interesting and historical stories. You will then walk along the 150 year old railroad tracks next to the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is one of the oldest amusement park in United States and I have stories that go way back over 200 years. You will walk down the tracks to Cliff street where the tour takes a turn and heads up Beach Hill. Beach Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Santa Cruz. It has an interesting collection of Victorian homes, secrets and stories. Stories about sea captains, serial killers, murders, drag racing, surfers and more. The tour ends at the Las Palmas Taco Bar near the wharf. Each tour is unique and always has room for spontaneous fun adventures that happen along the way. I always add humor, odd facts and sometimes I don't let the truth get in the way of a good story:) By the end of my tour, you will know more stories, old legions and interesting facts about Santa Cruz than a lot of locals do. Thank you- Karen

[Note: Your Tour Guide, Laura, is fully covid-vaccinated]. Come along on a walking tour of Capitola-by-the-Sea where, at a relaxing pace, you’ll learn about this colorful, lively and charming town. With Laura as your Guide, you’ll see the sights missed by most visitors.....I’ll show you the hidden back streets, stairways and paths which show off our local architecture as well as the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. At 4:00 p.m., we depart on our walk around the village. The walking portion will last about 1 ½ hours and is about 2 1/2 miles in length. You will see hidden streets, paths and art, typically known only to locals. And you’ll understand why people have been vacationing in Capitola for almost 150 years! The tour finishes in the heart of the Village where there are several wine bars specializing in fine California wine, most with outdoor patios. You might want to stay and enjoy the evening by taking a sunset walk on the beach, or having dinner at a local restaurant. Overall, you’ll come away with a local’s experience and feel the friendly, surfer-vibe of Capitola. (If you prefer a different start time, or would like to modify the tour to meet your specific interests, I’m happy to do that. Please contact me to discuss).

Find out what you can eat in the woods! We'll hike in the lovely Santa Cruz mountains where I'll guide you on a beautiful, quiet 2.5-mile hike in the unique coastal oak & redwood forest. Together we'll learn the ancient ways of identifying edible and medicinal mushrooms, plants, roots, flowers, nuts and seeds (depending on the season). Along the way we'll discuss proper harvesting and preparation techniques while connecting to the beauty and abundance of our ecosystem. This experience is a fun, hands-on way to connect to what can feed, heal and harm us in the wild. You'll walk away with a whole new appreciation and understanding of nature! The hike is doable for all skill levels. See you on the trail! Other things to note: Secure your own transportation to Verve Coffee and we'll caravan to the hike start. Bring: layers (it can get chilly in the redwoods), water bottle and comfortable hiking shoes. Optional: hiking poles, camera, hat, sunglasses. COVID-19 protocols: this experience is COVID-safe, as we can maintain 6' distance outdoors the entire time, wear masks and still enjoy everything this experience has to offer. If you're concerned about specifics, please contact me here or at info@MountainSeaAdventures.com