Outdoor Recreation Calendar for Half Moon Bay and Pacifica

From biking and hiking to running and surfing, here’s a look at some upcoming outdoor recreation events, lessons and demos, starting this weekend. Ongoing events are listed at the end.

Saturday, Nov. 26

California Canoe & Kayak, Pillar Point Tour
Get up close and personal with harbor seals, marine birds and other wildlife on a kayak tour of Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. No previous experience necessary for double kayaks. $49. Trip duration: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 650-728-1803 or e-mail kenny@calkayak.com to reserve space.

Coastside Running Club, Moss Beach

Every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. the Coastside Running Club meets at in Moss Beach. This is a fun social run to stay in shape and talk about upcoming races, training, life, and more. The usual route is to head south through the forest, through the Moss Beach Distillery, and along the bluffs to Pillar Point Harbor (near Mavericks waves) and then back. The entire run takes about 50 minutes to an hour to complete the five miles. No fees, no dues. Just bring a smile and your running shoes. For more information, go to www.coastsiderunningclub.com.

Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz

This ride at Wilder Ranch State Park is for slow riders, a beginner friendly ride but does require fitness and controlled off-road bike handling skills. Meet at 10 a.m. at the park sign at just north of the tunnel under Highway 1. The best way to get to the meeting spot is to park in the Wilder Ranch parking lot, walk your bike through the Ranch area, past the barn, chickens and garden, ride under the highway using the tunnel and you should see the park sign by the cattle gate. For more information, go to www.mbosc.org.

South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group, San Bruno Mountain State Park, San Bruno

San Bruno Mountain Park is a landmark of local and regional significance, standing as a unique open-space island in the midst of the Peninsula's urbanization at the northern end of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range. The Mountain's ridge line runs in an east-west configuration, with considerable slopes and elevations ranging from 250 feet to 1,314 feet at the summit. The 2,326 acres of rugged landscape offer excellent hiking opportunities and outstanding views of San Francisco and Central Bay Area. From the parking lot the hike will head toward the Ridge Trail then turn around and go back the same way, proceeding to the Summit Loop for approximately 8.5 total miles. It's about a 1,300 foot climb with unpredictable weather so wear layers. Rain or shine, and no matter what the weather, the views are spectacular. Meet at 9 a.m. $12 membership dues to cut down on non-participation and to assist in the cost of running the Meetup group site, paying for essentials at picnics and other events and the time and effort involved in running an active group. For more information, visit www.southbayramblers.com.

Sunday, Nov. 27

ROMP: Responsible Organize Mountain Pedalers, Mid-Peninsula Open Space Russian Ridge Preserve

Meet at Moss Beach from 1 to 3 p.m. for the Beginner Skills Class, which is every last Sunday of the month. Learn climbing, descending and single track technique. Ride is open to all ages above seven years old. Free. Meet by Ember Ridge Equestrian Center abd park on Etheldore Street. RSVP a must. Class size is limited to six Riders. Please RSVP to ssulljm@gmail.com. For more information, to go http://romp.org.

Dec. 3, 2011

Pacific Coast Trail Runs, 10km, 17Km, 35Km & 50km, Woodside
Experience the towering redwoods, lush ferns, and beautiful trails through Huddart Park, King's Mountain, Bear Gulch, and Wunderlich Park in Woodside. Bib Number Pick-Up: Starting at 8:00 a.m. at the Werder Shelter. Park entrance is $5 per vehicle. No dogs allowed in the park. Time Limit: There is an 8 hour time limit and a 2 hour 50 minute cut-off (11:20 a.m.) at 19 Km for the 50 Km distance. Start: Huddart County Park, 1100 Kings Mountain Road, Woodside. Fully-stocked aid stations every seven to 14 kilometers. T-shirts will be given to all pre-registered runners. Award medals are given to the 1st female and male finishers overall and in each age group. Ribbons are also awarded to the 2nd & 3rd place finishers in each age group. All 50km finishers will receive a custom coaster for the event. Go to www.pctrailruns.com/event.aspx?dtid=9917 for registration and entry fee information.

Dec. 10, 2011

Half Moon Bay Kayak Co., Full Moon Paddle, Pillar Point Harbor           

 A short kayak and safety orientation prepares you for a leisurely paddle into the sunset on the tranquil Pillar Point Harbor. We'll glide past harbor seals and the abundant sea birds in the fading afternoon light in our stable double kayaks. As the moon rises over the hills we’ll stop and float quietly, listening for the barking of distant sea lions, before resuming our paddling with silvery moonlight sparkling in the wake of our kayaks. If the moon is hidden behind the clouds, it's more likely to view the bioluminescence in the seawater. $70. Three-hour trip, start times vary. Visit www.hmbkayak.com/home.html for more information.

Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, Paddling The Festival of Lights, Pillar Point Harbor
From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Pillar Point Harbor, Princeton-by-the-Sea, kayakers are invited on a paddle for $60 (includes kayak and guide) to encounter seals as the sun sets and seabirds on the shore. Gaze at the shimmering lights festooning over the local fishing fleet and buy Dungeness crabs fresh off the boat under a rising full moon. First time and experienced kayakers are welcome. Registration/reservations required. E-mail Erica Warren ewarren@farallones.org.

January 22, 2012

Pacifica Trail Run, 9Km, 21Km, 30km & 50km, San Pedro Valley Park

Travel through Eucalyptus trees and past Brooks Falls on your way to North Peak overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park is located in the northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found in over 100 miles of coastline. Fully-stocked aid stations every nine to 11 kilometers. You can expect fresh fruit, salty snacks, assorted candy, boiled potatoes and salt, water, and Clif Shot Electrolyte sports drink. If you would like to be sure that you have Clif product, SaltStick capsules, or any other specific item at the event, you should carry it with you. Registration now open at http://pctrailruns.com/event.aspx?dtid=9925. Entry fees range from $35 to $65. 

Ongoing

rentals,

Kayak rentals are available by appointment. Call for rental availability at 650-728-1803 or e-mail kenny@calkayak.com. Rental rates: $15/hr for single kayak; $25/hr for tandem kayak. Take-away rentals available by appointment: $50/day for single kayak; $60/day for tandem kayak (reduced rates for additional days).

Half Moon Bay Kayak Co., Pillar Point Harbor Tour

Every Saturday from 11 a.m .to 2 p.m., this tour is designed for tourists and locals alike. After a brief kayak and safety orientation, we will launch our kayaks and glide across the tranquil waters of the Pillar Point Harbor amid the sea birds and harbor seals. Your guides will point out the unique sites and offer information on topics such as the local history, bird life, marine mammals, and the legendary Mavericks surf spot.  $65. Call 650-773-6101 for more information.

Boardsports Windsurfing & Kiteboarding School, every Sunday, Coyote Point, San Mateo

Intro to Kiteboarding Clinic. Meet at 1603 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo from 4-5:30 p.m. $50. Call 385-1224 for more information.

Boardsports Stand Up Paddle (SUP) clinic, every Sunday, Coyote Point, San Mateo

Beginner SUP Clinic at 1603 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo from 9 to 10:30 a.m. every Sunday for $99.

SUP Yoga session with and Omjavid Yoga

Meet at Mavericks Surf Shop, 25 Johnson Pier, Pillar Point Harbor, suit-up, paddle out to flat water and do yoga with Omjavid Yoga instructor. Call Mavericks Surf Shop at 560-8088 for times, fees and to sign up.

Jetty Betty Surf School, Half Moon Bay

Surf lessons, specializing in 1:1 lessons. Cost: $120 for a private 90-minute lesson. Only $80 more for each additional surfer. Call (650) 455-8141 or visit jettybettysurf@hotmail.com for more information.

, Half Moon Bay
Group, semi-private and private surfing lessons for all ages; ocean safety instruction Half Moon Bay. Call
650-726-8686 or visit www.openoceansurfing.com.

, Pacifica

Weeklong and weekend instruction for kids and families; trips, birthday and corporate parties surfing. Call 650-738-5757 or visit www.surfpacifica.com.

Half Moon Bay Yacht Club, Sailing on Sundays and Sunday Skipper

HMBYC Members get checked out by the club's senior sailors and can be certified to use the Club’s Cal20s, C15s, Lasers or other boats for a leisurely sail inside Pillar Point Harbor. Sunday Skippers take out small groups for a sail in the Harbor. For more information, e-mail sailing@hmbyc.org.

, Masters and Lap Swim, Half Moon Bay

Masters: The newly formed Mavericks Masters team, coached by Bill Saxsenmier and Cindy Lee, offers coached practices for those swimmers who compete and for those who would like to structured practices in a group environment. Swimmers must be registered with USA Masters. MAV Masters practice times are: Monday - Friday: 5:30 – 7 a.m., 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays:  11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lap Swim: Lap swim is for those of any age 18+ wishing to swim on their own and at their own pace.  Lap swim times are the same as above for Masters. $60 for a 10-swim pass or unlimited access pass to adult/masters sessions in a calendar month. All Masters and adult lap swim participants must be members of United States Masters Swimming.  You can join USMS online by visiting www.usms.org and clicking on the join/renew links.

, trail and beach horseback riding, Half Moon Bay

Located at 1828 Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay, Sea Horse Ranch is open seven days a week at 8 a.m. The one-hour trail ride is $55; 1.5-hour trail and beach ride is $65; and two-hour trail and beach ride is $75, which includes the Coastal Equestrian Trail that travels farther onto the bluffs above the ocean, and then down onto Poplar Beach, north on Poplar Beach for about 20 minutes, and then back to the Ranch on Cabrillo Highway. For the early bird special ride, which is $50 for the 2-hour trail and beach ride, get to the front gage by 8 a.m. to qualify. Bring sweatshirts or jackets. For more information, go to www.seahorseranch.org or call 650-726-9903.

Send information for your outdoor fitness event located along the San Mateo County coast or just beyond by e-mail to Christa Bigue at xtapalmer@gmail.com.