River Kayaking in LA for Adventure at any Level

River Kayaking in LA for Adventure at any Level

Looking for something a little edgy to do this summer without having to drive hours out of the city? The 2018 LA River kayaking season is now open with two locations and three different experiences to choose from in the LA area. I've got my trip booked for later this season and can't wait to experience this for the first time. I didn't want to wait to share this little known activity so I'm sharing the details with you now as the season ends in September. Check below for the link to get your tickets.

So at LA River Expeditions they don’t just run tours, they educate their participants on local history, the politics of water, the watershed and its surrounding environment along with many other aspects of life in Los Angeles. This urban retreat on the L.A River is a great way to gain a deeper understanding about the city while at the same time disconnecting from it all. 

Locations, Skill levels and days of operation:

• Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve — (SUN.). Calm, leisurely & serene, on the most natural part of the river; best for birding, wildlife. Open to all skill levels & 10+ youth.
• Glendale Narrows Recreation Zone — (SAT.). Sporty, challenging & outrageous, with some rapids; best area for an adventurous outing. Prior paddling experience required.
• Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve — Private Groups (FRI. or available SUN.). Organize your own outing with family, friends, co-workers. Sponsor trip for a special event.

WHERE: The guided kayak tours are on the "Sepulveda Basin" section of the river. It is a leisurely, 2.5-mile flatwater paddle, with deeper water and fewer obstacles than the other river stretch  near downtown LA. There is typically good birding in this area. This segment of the Los Angeles River is within a large park in the San Fernando Valley, near neighborhoods like: Encino, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana and Reseda.

WHAT: You'll paddle in your single kayak for approximately 2 1/4 hrs., with all basic equipment provided (boat, lifejacket, paddle, helmet), as you learn all about the LA River from our experienced boating staff: the watershed, the wildlife, the history and the politics of our hometown river. You'll pick up paddling skills and learn how to be safer around rivers. Plus, you'll have fun and get some great exercise along the way.

HOW: This trip is run as a "loop" to avoid any hassles of portaging around hazards, getting stuck on rocks or waiting to get back to your vehicle. You'll park near the start (Burbank Blvd. @ Woodley Ave.), take a roughly 3-minute walk over a bridge to the river launch site, and then depart and return from the same riverside location, it's a simple as that!

! NOTE These trips are fairly leisurely and relaxed. This is essentially flatwater paddling, with a few slight currents and the possibility to play with a couple rapids if you choose to do so. There is often 90+ degree heat, so protecting yourself accordingly is important. There are boats to lift, but nothing too taxing. It's possible but not likely that you could flip your boat; you should dress as if you could get wet. These trips are okay for boaters of all skill levels; beginners are welcome. Do not sign up for this trip, however, if you have a medical condition that could be compromised by this activity, or if you're particularly sensitive to less-than-pristine water, or if you're over 230 lbs. (due to kayak stability and capacity limits — sorry.). Please be aware that there is a strict no-refund policy.

Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve

Burbank Blvd. at Woodley Ave. 

Los Angeles, CA 91436

TICKETS are NOW AVAILABLE, as of Tuesday 5/8!  BOOK YOUR SUMMER FUN TODAY!!

Note: They are currently only selling tickets for June & July; holding off sales of August tour tickets until they know how a construction project across the river might affect tours. Best to book your tickets early, for June or July, to be safe. Questions? Call (323) 392-4247.