Huntington Harbour is the perfect place to go kayaking and paddling (or try either for the first time). The harbor is mellow with light boat traffic, making it much easier than paddling through busy Newport Harbor. The speed limit for boaters is 5 mph, so you don't have to worry about watching out for jet skis or fast boats kicking up big wakes.
With five islands and some nine miles of canals lined with gorgeous homes and yachts, you’ll have more than plenty of places to explore. Paddle out to a couple of sandy coves or parks for a picnic, or even dock at a harbor-side restaurant for lunch.”
As a novice SUP-er, I have found the boards so stable and the harbor so calm that I’ve never fallen in the water during the dozen or so times I’ve paddled here. First-time SUP-ers may be surprised how easy it is. To get started, just make sure your board is floating (so the fins aren’t touching the sand) before stepping aboard on your knees in the middle of the board. Grasp your paddle on the top of the handle so the scooped side is facing outwards; once you are stabilized, you can stand up and begin paddling.
I can attest that it’s important to be aware of which way the wind is blowing, and whether the tide is coming in or out, especially in the larger unsheltered waterways. If you find yourself moving forward briskly without much effort, you will be faced with a good workout as you paddle straight into the wind or against the tide on your return. Mornings are generally much calmer than afternoons.
Depending on the weather, wear a swimsuit or shorts, and layer on a long-sleeve microfiber shirt if it’s cooler. Note that you’re more likely to get wet on a kayak than on an SUP when you first sit down for launching; you may also end up splashing yourselves more as you paddle your kayak, since you are sitting lower in the water than if you were standing on a SUP.
PRINCE CHARTERS
If you want to cruise through the Harbour on a private luxury charter boat, Prince Charters is the perfect activity for you. All three of Prince Charters' boats are Coast Guard inspected and come with a licensed captain, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Their classic wood boat seats up to 12 guests comfortably, the Duffy-style Charly More fits up to 15 guests, and their luxury yacht welcomes up to 30 people.
Prince Charters is family-owned and operated, and was originally founded in 1965 by Captain Doug’s grandfather, Dr. Gilbert Prince. Grandpa Prince was an ordained minister with a genuine, lifelong passion and love for the sea.
As a boy, Captain Doug would hear exciting stories of his grandfather’s sailing adventures. Doug’s first time sailing solo was at age 9, and when he was 12 years old he crewed for his grandfather on his first ash scattering at sea. From that day on he had a passion to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, and continue the family legacy of Prince Charters. Captain Doug has now been boating for over 40 years, and holds a United States Coast Guard Captain 100 Ton Master Mariner License.
Book Now to experience a peaceful harbor cruise on one - or all three - classic, luxury beauties with friends and family.
OEX SUNSET BEACH
For kayakers and paddle boards rentals and sales, check out OEX Sunset Beach. OEX, short for Ocean Express, has been owned and operated by Andrew Allen for the last 10 years. Adjacent to a nice wide beach with shallow entry, its launch area is ideal for even first-time paddlers.
OEX has some 50 single and double, sit-on-top Hobie Malibu kayaks for rent, plus 55 Art in Surf SUPs in a variety of sizes all geared for beginners -- wide, heavy and very stable. The shop also has Hobie paddle kayaks for rent, ideal for fishermen who want their hands free to tend their rods. Allen’s staff walk you out to your board or kayak, size you up for your paddles, and review the basic strokes and safety rules. Don’t forget to review the map of the harbor and its canals and ask about the best routes to take according to how much time you have.
OEX is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily year-round, “rain or shine.” Rental rates for kayaks are $15 for two hours for a single kayak and $25 for a double kayak. Hobie pedal kayaks rent for $25 for two hours; doubles for $50 for two hours. SUP’s are $15 for the first hour, and an additional $5 for every additional hour. Ask about special rates for full and half-day.
Rentals are limited to Huntington Harbor, unless OEX approves your skill level and means of transport. The shop does not rent wet suits, tie downs or any other means of transport.
Contact OEX at (562) 592-0800.
HUNTINGTON HARBOUR BOAT RENTALS
Another block north on Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Harbour Boat Rentals also rents SUP and kayaks, and is currently the only place to rent Duffy electric boats in Huntington Beach. Especially popular for cruising the holiday-decorated canals and boats in December, the company has six Duffy electric boats for rent. There are eight-passenger boats renting for $170 for two hours, and 12-passenger models for $190 for two hours.
Rich Nortier, who has owned the business since 2012, says, “With just a short driving and safety lesson, customers are ready to roll.” Same goes for renting from his fleet of 26 Bruce SUPs and 38 Hobie Malibu sit-on-top kayaks, he says. “Each of our friendly, skilled customer-service oriented employees will get you standing on a SUP or kayaking in no time.” He notes that there is also nice, little beach next to its Duffy dock for launching the kayaks and SUPs – freshly replenished with sand.
SUP and kayak rental rates are $15 for first hour, $5 per hour thereafter on weekdays; on weekends, the rate is $15 each hour. Weekend hours are 9 a.m. through 5 pm, and last rentals must be returned by 6 p.m. Weekday rentals are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed on Mondays October through May.) Check for rental hours on Duffy’s, which are available later during the evenings, depending on the season.
Contact Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals today at (562) 592-7877!
