Kids Kayak Camp

Kids Kayak Camp includes kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boogie boarding, along with games such as Kayaking Olympics and a Boogie Board Bash. Campers explore the coastal waterways of Santa Cruz on the Monterey Bay, paddle in the North and South Harbor, and may paddle onto the Monterey Bay if ocean conditions are extremely calm. Activities also include exploring Schwan Lake and the scenic trails behind Schwan Lagoon, icebreakers, learning basic kayak strokes and basic rescues, Olympic-style games in the North Harbor, a short nature walk, learning Leave No Trace principles, and a guided mindful moment, using sit-on-top double kayaks, Piccolos closed-deck single kayaks for children, and stand-up paddleboards.

• Ages: 10–13 years old
• Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 AM–2:30 PM, with two separate sessions offered (June 10–13 and July 22–25)

Kayak Connection provides 2/3 wetsuits and personal flotation devices (PFDs) for Kids Kayak Camp, and every child enrolled needs to be able to swim. Families are asked to pack a sack lunch and extra snacks, a water bottle, sunscreen, a towel and extra change of clothes, a bathing suit, a sun hat, and a fleece layer or sweatshirt, with an optional rash guard for extra warmth and protection. Campers receive a free hat and a coupon for discounted kayak rentals after completing the program, and the camp is described as suitable for kids of all paddling abilities, including those who have never kayaked before.

Kayak Connection guides are all CPR certified, and many hold advanced Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications. Kayak Connection encourages guide development and education, holding frequent kayaking workshops in open water paddling and sponsoring guides to achieve certifications with the American Canoeing Association. Over the past 30 years, Kayak Connection has developed a culture of teamwork, positivity, and family togetherness, and in 2012 Jess Grigsby and her husband Dave purchased Kayak Connection as co-owners. The organization’s mission is to help participants explore the natural marine environment of the Monterey Bay, provide instruction, tours, or rental experiences, and maintain a commitment to ocean conservation and stewardship. Kayak Connection also organizes outreach programs and works with school groups, and it operates in both Santa Cruz Harbor and Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing.

Last updated March 11, 2026.