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.
By Matt Pawlik Lights, camera, Runyon! It’s certainly not quiet on the set of Runyon Canyon in Hollywood, but the trail system here is one of the most
pupular for active Angelenos and their canine companions.
Check out this LA Parks Map to plan your doggie-driven route through the 160-acre greenspace. I recommend the full feature-length loop for an A-list workout and big-budget views. After a short stint on the trail, look for the gate that shows the off-leash area to release your dog for an adventure (leashes are also required at the north end of the park). Humans and dogs alike enjoy canyon vistas and chaparral-covered hillsides along both fire roads and single-track offerings, but the real treat comes with the elevation gain. Throughout the park, find aptly named viewpoints such as Clouds Rest and Inspiration Point, which provide cityscape panoramas that stretch to the San Gabriels and Santa Monica Bay on clear days. For more Hollywood-area hiking (and fewer yoga m