Welcome Back Paddle at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area Lake

Hey, it’s finally time to celebrate the loosening of the “stay-at-home” order, and the return of stable warm and sunny weather, with a "Welcome Back!" paddle at our favorite kayaking site. This event is especially directed at all the folks who ve just recently joined up with this meetup group and all the others who haven t gotten their paddles wet, yet, either... so, let’s all get out there and DO IT!

In observance of mandated COVID-19 safety measures (and to avoid getting ticketed by local law enforcement), this event will be limited to 10 participants observing social distancing of 6 ft. amongst ourselves. Though all participants are required to wear face coverings at all Meetup events, the coverings may be removed while the participants are in their kayaks out on the water.

The Santa Fe Dam Reservoir/Lake is a great little place to paddle especially for those of us residing in the SGV. It’s so convenient to get to as it’s located in Irwindale (between Duarte and Azusa) at the intersection of I-605 and I-210. Here it is in Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Santa+Fe+Dam+Recreation+Area/@34.117848,-117.9665925,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x80c2d8195a6dc963:0xf52684245b9a88c5!8m2!3d34.111239!4d-117.950113 It is also very scenic with plenty of mixed foliage, i.e., lush growths of leafy shrubs and trees interspersed with an abundance of desert cacti and even an odd palm tree here and there. And, since this is a nature conservancy area, there is quite a bit of wildlife present, as well, mainly in the form of wetlands birds, e.g., herons, egrets, coots, mallard ducks and geese. And all of this is surrounded by magnificent vistas of the San Gabriel mountains making this one of the most scenic recreational areas in the L.A. metro area.

We ll meet up at the one (and only) boat launch, located at Parking Lot #4. Launching a kayak from here is really quick and easy. Here is the Website with all the info: https://parks.lacounty.gov/santa-fe-dam-recreational-area/ In particular, there is a parking fee of $10 ($5 for seniors) and a launching fee of $7. Discounted annual passes are available at the park headquarters located in Parking Lot #1. The kayak rental facility at this location is currently closed, so, you will have to have your own kayak or rent one at another location that is open at this time.

A few words of caution: the unshaded sunlight bearing down on the lake gets fairly intense and that’s why this event is being scheduled in the afternoon so that the sun is not directly overhead. It is also recommended that all participants bring a hat and sunscreen (SPF 50 or better) to slather on exposed arms and legs. All participants should also bring a life vest and a whistle.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY: Kayaking and all other outdoor events and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but, involve certain dangers of which you should be aware. These include, but are not limited to, tripping and falling injuries, drowning, poison oak exposure, insect stings and snake bites. By signing up for any event or activity in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the event or activity and agree to release San Gabriel Valley Lake Kayakers and its event hosts, organizers and leaders from any claims for any injuries or other losses that you may sustain while participating in any of the events and activities. Please know your limits and sign up for an event or activity only if you are able to keep up with the pace and level of it. Stay with the group at all times and do not leave it without notifying the event host/leader.