Marine Land Launch

Directions:

Entrance is from PV Dr South one mile east of Hawthorne blvd. From the freeways, take the 110 south to the end and turn left on Gaffey. Continue on Gaffey south until 25th, then turn right. Stay on 25th. It will turn into Palos Verdes Drive South.

You will pass over the Portuguese Bend Area where the road is gradually slipping into the ocean. It will be the bumpy section with low speed limit. Then you will pass Wayfarers Chappell on the right and Abalone Cove on the left.

Approximately 1.1 miles after the Wayfarers Chappell there is a large commercial sign that says Long Point/Catalina Room on your left - enter. The parking spot is at the far end of the lot on the left. If you reach the light at Hawthorne you have went too far - hang a U-turn and proceed back approximately 1.3 miles, looking for the sign on your right.

Launch:

Bring a cart for the carry down a dirt road to the water. It's about 1/4 mile and without a cart it would be a pain. We usually just leave the carts in the bushes while we paddle. The launch is off a steep beach that consists of small and medium smooth (slick) rocks and usually only has surge. We typically slide down the rocks to enter the water and on the way back get a hard running (paddling) start to shoot as far up the rocks on the surge as possible. Although it is not nearly as fun, if you are using a glass boat, it is often possible to wade into the water before getting in.

Paddling options:

The two obvious options are to go east, or north west. The east option is generally more protected and gives access to Abalone Cove and the caves at Portuguese Point and Inspiration Point. The north west option has much more interesting rock gardens, but is also more exposed to prevailing wind and swell.

Either of these routes can be dangerous or deadly depending on conditions and your skill level. Try not to get killed.