Ever try crossing from Santa Catalina to Dana Point on a stand-up paddleboard? Don’t, unless you are with a pro. I ran into Terri Plunkett in Two Harbors on the western side of the island in mid-April. She and her team were preparing to do a relay-style 40-mile crossing.
“I have done countless SUP events around the world but, hands-down, this was the most challenging event I ever participated in,” Terri emailed me afterward.
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Anthony Vela, a former L.A. County lifeguard, stand-up paddling coach and competitor, organized the event. Vela and his company, Performance Paddling, train intermediate and advanced paddlers. Sixteen students, ages 32 to 73, participated in the crossing. Anthony chatted with me about the logistics of open-water stand-up paddling. Here’s an edited version of our conversation.
Sip and sail in Long Beach
Wine tasting makes for a great weekend escape. But wine tasting on a gondola is even better.
Last month, Times travel writer Christopher Reynolds included Long Beach’s
21 local destinations where Southern Californians can get a taste of Europe. Gondola Getaway, which offers rides around Naples Island, says it has “the largest and most unique fleet of Venetian craft in the World, outside, of course, Venezia itself.” This is fitting, given Long Beach’s status as a “friendship city” of Venice, Italy.
While cruising around Naples Island, visitors to Gondola Getaway can book a tasting experience to sample wines from
Moms who are wild at heart or don’t want to miss their 10,000 steps might crave a Mother’s Day hike. Think about a picnic along a scenic hiking trail that’s easy for the whole family. It’s a great way to spend outdoors time with Mom and a good last-minute option if you’re stumped on what to do. Early morning or dusk may be the best times to beat the crowds.
The picnic part is up to you: Choose from our list of the right sandwiches for 22 SoCal hikes, or make your own fancy fixings. These hikes come with spectacular views, perfect places to stop and linger.