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Press Releases
Monterey Bay Kayaks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2008
Contact: Cass Schrock of Monterey Bay Kayaks
Office: 800-649-5357
e-mail: <cass@montereybaykayaks.com>

Monterey Bay Kayaks Fishing Derby Winners Announced

by Allen Bushnell

Nearly 60 anglers participated in the MBK Fishing Derby contest this year, which raised funds for the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project.

BIG THANKS go to Monterey Bay Kayaks for hosting the event again this year (they are looking forward to next year's third annual MBK Derby). And special thanks to OCEAN KAYAKS and Tsunami Sales and Marketing once again, for providing a brand-new Ocean Kayak Trident 13 as the ultimate first prize.

And of course thanks to all the kayak anglers who entered the Derby this year. We could not accomplish this event without all who participated each year. What a fantastic community we have of kayak anglers in Northern California!

Everyone had a blast, and we hope everyone comes again next year. Next time let's see some bigger fish! Yes, fishing was somewhat tough, though it seems most picked up an decent array of rockfish, including some with hefty size.

I arrived at 6am, to find the parking lot choked with big-rig auto haulers. The Concours de Elegance was running in Monterey that weekend. DOH! Turns out all the local campsites were also taken the night before, but Mooch (Joel Lotilla from the OK Pro-crew) arranged for people to sleep in the parking lot at MBK, so glad that worked out. After a quick prep talk on the beach, the yaks dispersed towards the horizon. I made it out an hour or so later, and met up with Patrick, his friend Damian, and his other friend whose name I forget, but whose fish I remember. I watched him catch a 5-pound cabezone that would have won the contest, if only he had entered!

Meanwhile, Patrick was slaying them inside the kelp toward the hotel. I caught a few browns and let them all go. I kept one big black which I later gave away to round out someone's bag.

Back on the beach, Aaron Hull from MBK had the BBQ set up, and we prepared the leaderboard and awards area. Big winner for the day was Eugene Tsuji, AKA "Eg2", with a 3-pound vermillion rockfish. Eugene was astonished to find he had the biggest fish, once weigh-in was over. That's derby! Patrick Kuhl,"SinCoast" captured second place with a brown rockfish at 2.5 pounds. Tsuji's son Nathan had a 2.3-pound red, and Ernie Nunez, known and loved as "Mendohead" brought in a 2.2-pound red.

The BBQ crowd was smaller at noon than it was at 7am. I think some people either stayed out fishing, or didn't report in when they caught no big fish. They missed a great hotdog feast, and the usual Kayak Fishing camaraderie, shucking, jiving, and promises for next year.

Thanks again, all. I'm looking forward to next year at MBK!

--Allen

Preparation in the MBK parking lotPreparations began before dawn in the parking lot at MBK.

Launch from Del Monte Beach behind Monterey Bay Kayaks57 anglers launched from Del Monte Beach to find the fish and test their skill.

Patrick KuhlFishing was tough for most, but Patrick Kuhl always seems to find them!

Cabezone contenderThis Cabezone woulda coulda shoulda been a winner. The hapless fisherman had not formally entered the contest.

Aaron Hull GrillMasterAaron Hull, MBK Staff and Kayak Fishing Guide provided astonishing GrillMaster duties.

LeaderboardRockfish were the rule for this year's Derby.

Eugene Tsuji First Place Winner of Ocean Kayaks Trident 13Eugene Tsuji got his first taste of kayak fishing on a guided fishing clinic right here at MBK. Now he is the Top Dog!

Patrick KuhlPatrick Kuhl tests his new carbon shaft paddle, the second place award.

Nathan Tsuji Second Place Winner of SunglassesNathan Tsuji won these cool shades for third place. Nathan is also known for performing handstands on his fishing kayak.

Ernie Nunez Third Place WinnerErnie Nunez is a long-time Nor-Cal kayak fisherman, finally placing in the money!


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2006
Contact: Tara Roddy of Monterey Bay Kayaks
Office: 800-649-5357
e-mail: <tara@montereybaykayaks.com>

Monterey Bay Kayaks wins 2006 Business of the Year award

The Chuck Haugen Conservation Fund has awarded local business Monterey Bay Kayaks as its 2006 Business of the year for their contributions to the conservation of Monterey Bay's ecosystems.

Monterey Bay Kayaks, a local business for 21 years, provides naturalist led sea kayak tours, classes and rentals with the goals of promoting eco-tourism, education, awareness and fostering stewardship of the ocean's natural resources.

Previous awards received by Monterey Bay Kayaks include the Environmental Hero Award from NOAA in 2004, and the Oceans Day award from the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

CHCF is a non-profit whose mission is to appreciate and inspire staff and volunteers who participate in the conservation of the Monterey Bay area's ecosystems that stretch into San Benito Co, Santa Cruz Co., down the Salinas River, and down the Big Sur coast.

For more info go to: www.chuckhaugenconservationfund.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2006
Contact: Tara Roddy of Monterey Bay Kayaks
Office: 800-649-5357
e-mail: <tara@montereybaykayaks.com>

Monterey Bay Kayaks Donates Proceeds from Paddlefest to:
Friends of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratorie

Monterey Bay Kayaks (MBK) is hosting a Paddlefest on Saturday, May 13, 2006 on Monterey Beach that will have over one hundred kayaks to demo from five different manufacturers. Mini-classes and raffles will be held for those people interested in the fastest growing outdoor sport of kayaking. Registration is $20.00 per person, and all proceeds from registration and raffle sales will be donated to Friends of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.

Friends of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories believe that scientific knowledge is essential to the preservation of the world's ocean and coastal environments. The faculty of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) consists of internationally recognized experts in these areas. Friends seek to serve as a liaison between MLML and the community-at-large; to support the research, education, and conservation work of the laboratories; and foster such support through public education programs, events, fundraising activity and an active alumni association <http://friends.mlml.calstate.edu/index.html>.

Monterey Bay Kayaks recognizes that responsible eco-tourism must be balanced with environmental stewardship and education. Outfitters in the outdoor recreation industry need to actively preserve and protect the environment that they enjoy. In appreciation of their effort and success towards preserving our shared environment, Monterey Bay Kayaks will be donating all registration and raffle proceeds from Paddlefest 2006 to Friends of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.

Monterey Bay Kayaks is celebrating over 20 years on the water. Over the course of 20+ years, MBK has introduced thousands of people to the fun and unique experience of sea kayaking. They have established themselves as an industry leader with the following missions: (1) to give back to their community by contributing to organizations that provide educational opportunities for children and help protect their local marine environment, (2) to be a leader in the sea kayaking eco-tourism market through excellence in customer service, and (3) to provide kayaking programs and a retail center that promote education and environmental awareness.

Recent awards received by MBK include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Environmental Award and the Ocean's Day Award, both to recognize their outstanding contributions to education and conservation of our ocean resources.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Tara Roddy, please call 800-649-5357 or email Tara at <tara@montereybaykayaks.com>.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2005
Contact: Tara Roddy of Monterey Bay Kayaks
Office: 800-649-5357
e-mail: <tara@montereybaykayaks.com>

Monterey Bay Kayaks Donates Proceeds from Paddlefest to:
BAY NET-Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Network

Monterey Bay Kayaks (MBK) is hosting a Paddlefest on Saturday, May 7, on Monterey Beach that will have over one hundred kayaks to demo from five different manufacturers. Mini-classes and raffles will be held for those people interested in the fastest growing outdoor sport of kayaking. Registration is $20.00 per person, and all registration and raffle proceeds will be donated to BAY NET.

BAY NET is the first program of its kind in the nation to place trained docent educators in the field to engage with the public about our national marine sanctuaries. Focused on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, BAY NET's trained volunteers act as both on-site interpreters and shoreline ambassadors for the Sanctuary. Given their field presence, volunteers also serve as additional eyes and ears to help monitor natural and human activities. The long-term goal of the program is to build a cooperative Sanctuary-wide network of organizations and individuals committed to creating a more aware, enthusiastic and marine conservation-minded public <http://www.mbay.net/~baynet/>.

Monterey Bay Kayaks recognizes that responsible eco-tourism must be balanced with environmental stewardship and education. Outfitters in the outdoor recreation industry need to actively preserve and protect the environment that they enjoy. In appreciation of their effort and success towards preserving our shared environment, Monterey Bay Kayaks will be donating all registration and raffle proceeds from Paddlefest 2005 to BAY NET.

Monterey Bay Kayaks is celebrating 20 years on the water. Over the course of 20 years, MBK has introduced thousands of people to the fun and unique experience of sea kayaking. They have established themselves as an industry leader with the following missions: (1) to give back to their community by contributing to organizations that provide educational opportunities for children and help protect their local marine environment, (2) to be a leader in the sea kayaking eco-tourism market through excellence in customer service, and (3) to provide kayaking programs and a retail center that promote education and environmental awareness.

Recent awards received by MBK include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Environmental Award and the Ocean's Day Award, both to recognize their outstanding contributions to education and conservation of our ocean resources.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Tara Roddy, please call 800-649-5357 or email Tara at <tara@montereybaykayaks.com>.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2005
Contact: Josh Mendenhall
800-649-5357

Monterey Bay Kayaks Will Donate Half of All Rental Proceeds Earned
from January 15 to February 15 to the Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund

Monterey Bay Kayaks will donate half of all rental proceeds generated over a one month period to the Red Cross Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund. This period will begin on January 15, 2005, and end on February 15, 2005. Giving money the one of the best ways to help the victims of the December 26th tsunami. Since many people plan on donating, MBK is pleased to help with the fundraising effort. Anyone who rents kayaks at MBK from January 15th to February 15th can take extra pleasure from knowing that half of their rental fee has automatically been contributed to the tsunami relief effort. This offer provides an opportunity for people to make a meaningful donation to a worthy cause, while doing something fun at the same time.

The American Red Cross provides relief in many areas, including providing food, safe water, healthcare, disease prevention, immediate family supplies, mental health counseling, and disaster preparedness and prevention measures. For more information on how the Red Cross is helping the tsunami victims, visit www.redcross.org.

Since 1985, Monterey Bay Kayaks has introduced thousands of people to the fun and unique experience of sea kayaking. They have established themselves as an industry leader with the following missions: 1) to give back to their community by contributing to organizations that provide educational opportunities for children and help protect their local marine environment, 2) to be a leader in the sea kayaking eco-tourism market through excellence in customer service and 3) to provide kayaking programs and a retail center that promotes education and environmental awareness.

For more information on this topic or for an interview, contact Josh Mendenhall at 800-649-5357.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2004
Contact: Dave Schaechtele
Monterey District Public Information Officer
(831) 649-2900

All-Terrain Wheelchair Helps Make Monterey Beaches More Accessible

People who use wheelchairs can also enjoy a day at the beach, going where no conventional wheelchair could take them before. A versatile all-terrain wheelchair manufactured by Landeez is available at Monterey Bay Kayaks, located at 693 Del Monte Avenue in Monterey.

The all-terrain wheelchair was purchased through the Whale Tail Grants Program, sponsored by the California Coastal Commission. The Whale Tail Grants distributes funds from sales of California's Whale Tail license plates. The goal of the program is to encourage the general public to value and take responsibility of the state's marine and coastal resources.

The Landeez all-terrain wheelchair is designed especially for outdoor use, weighing only 37 pounds, and can be disassembled for storage or portability. The wheelchair's arm rests can be raised, enabling the user to enter and exit the chair more easily, and makes it easier for others to provide assistance to the user. Leg rests can be adjusted in length and angle for maximum comfort. The wheelchair is suitable for small children and large adults (weight capacity is 325 pounds).

There is no cost for users to the wheelchair. To reserve the wheelchair, call Monterey Bay Kayaks at (831) 373-5357. A second all-terrain wheelchair is located at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds. Call (831) 372-8016 to reserve. Both wheelchairs can be used at any coastal parks in Monterey County.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2004
Contact: Tara Roddy
800-649-5357
tara@montereybaykayaks.com

Sea kayaking in the Pacific Northwest is the focus of upcoming presentation

Washington kayakers Ken Campbell and Steve Weileman will be in Monterey on November 15, 2004, presenting an evening of images and stories about sea kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. "Islands, Eagles, Orcas and Legends" is a slide presentation that covers some of the best sea kayaking locations throughout Washington and British Columbia. The presentation is being hosted by Monterey Bay Kayaks, located in Monterey at 693 Del Monte Avenue.

Campbell and Weileman are co-owners of Azimuth Expeditions, a Tacoma-based sea kayak outfitter. Both are long-time guides and instructors with significant expedition experience. Weileman has paddled extensively in British Columbia, with solo expeditions in the Queen Charlotte Islands and the Central Coast, while Campbell has almost twenty years of sea kayaking experience, including a 3-month, 1700-mile solo circumnavigation of Newfoundland.

The Pacific Northwest is one of the finest kayaking destinations in the world. The protected inlets and bays of Puget Sound invite exploration throughout the year, while the jewel-like San Juan Islands provide unsurpassed kayaking opportunities. Vancouver Island has thousands of miles of coastline, all of it seemingly made with the kayak in mind. Add to these, the majestic open coast, with its towering sea stacks and shoreline caves and grottos, and it is easy to see why the Northwest is the epicenter of modern sea kayaking.

The photographs and stories that make up this exciting presentation are designed for the kayaker and non-kayaker alike. Contact Monterey Bay Kayaks at 800-649-5357 for more information. Campbell and Weileman can be contacted by calling 253-474-8155 or at info@azimuthexpeditions.com.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2004
Contact: Rachel Saunders/MBNMS
(831) 647-4237

Monterey Bay Kayaks and Hannah Nevins of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories to receive NOAA Environmental Hero Award

One Monterey Bay area business and one local citizen are among a distinguished group of individuals and organizations chosen to receive the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) 2004 Environmental Hero Award.

Monterey Bay Kayaks (MBK) will receive the NOAA 2004 Environmental Hero Award for their continuing support of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary's MERITO program (Multicultural Education for Resource Issues Threatening Oceans) and Team OCEAN Kayak Outreach Program. MBK has donated kayak rentals to the MERITO program in order to host Spanish-bilingual "kayak day" events involving Latino adults and families. Monterey Bay Kayaks has also donated training, kayak rentals, storage space and funds to the Team OCEAN program, which reaches thousands of kayakers during the summer months.

Hannah Nevins, a masters of science candidate at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML), will receive the NOAA 2004 Environmental Hero Award for the volunteer work she has done since 2001 to coordinate Monterey Bay Sanctuary's Beach COMBERS monitoring program. Beach COMBERS (Coastal Ocean Mammal/Bird Education and Research Surveys) is a collaborative effort between the sanctuary and MLML where trained volunteers survey beaches monthly and collect data on beachcast birds and mammals. These data have been used to assess causes of bird and mammal die-offs, and monitor the health of the sanctuary.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary will present the awards to Monterey Bay Kayaks and Ms. Nevins at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2004 as part of the "Earth Day/Day of the Child" Celebration at Ramsay Park in Watsonville.

"NOAA and the nation are fortunate to have such dedicated people volunteer so much of their time," said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "They set a fine example for others to follow in their communities. America needs more environmental heroes like them."

Established in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, the Environmental Hero award is presented to individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA carry out its mission. Held in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations, the award honors NOAA volunteers for their "tireless efforts to preserve and protect our nation's environment."

There are a total of 33 winners—30 individuals and three organizations. Visit the NOAA Earth Day Web site at http://www.noaa.gov/earthday to read more about this year's award winners.

"On behalf of the 12,500 men and women working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I am pleased to present you with this 2004 Environmental Hero Award," Lautenbacher wrote in a letter to the recipients. "Your dedicated efforts and outstanding accomplishments greatly benefit the environment and make our nation a better place for all Americans."

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary stretches along 276 miles of central California coast and encompasses more than 5,300 square miles of ocean area. Renowned for its scenic beauty and remarkable productivity, the sanctuary supports one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, including 33 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds, 345 species of fishes and thousands of marine invertebrates and plants.

NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) seeks to increase the public awareness of America's maritime heritage by conducting scientific research, monitoring, exploration and educational programs. Today, the sanctuary program manages 13 national marine sanctuaries and one coral reef ecosystem reserve that encompass more than 150,000 square miles of America's ocean and Great Lakes natural and cultural resources.

NOAA's National Ocean Service manages the NMSP and is dedicated to exploring, understanding, conserving and restoring the nation's coasts and oceans. The National Ocean Service balances environmental protection with economic prosperity in fulfilling its mission of promoting safe navigation, supporting coastal communities, sustaining coastal habitats and mitigating coastal hazards.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation's coastal and marine resources.

On the Web:
NOAA - http://www.noaa.gov
National Ocean Service - http://oceanservice.noaa.gov
National Marine Sanctuary Program - http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary - http://montereybay.noaa.gov


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2004
Contact: Tara Roddy of Monterey Bay Kayaks
Office: 800-649-5357
email: tara@montereybaykayaks.com

Monterey Bay Kayaks Donates Proceeds from Paddlefest to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation

Monterey Bay Kayaks is hosting a Paddlefest, May 8th on Monterey Beach that will have over 100 kayaks to demo from 5 different manufacturers. Mini-classes and raffles will be held for those people interested in the fastest growing outdoor sport of kayaking. Registration is $20.00 per person and all proceeds will be donated to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation is a nonprofit, member-supported organization working to preserve and restore Elkhorn Slough and its watershed. Working constructively with government, community and business interests, the Foundation has become a model for successful wetland restoration and land management. By protecting and rehabilitating the watershed, which surrounds this sensitive habitat, the Foundation has returned an area once threatened with complete industrialization, into a thriving, healthy ecosystem. As a crucial refuge for migratory birds, mammals and marine organisms, Elkhorn Slough has become a wilderness area of global importance.

Monterey Bay Kayaks recognizes that responsible ecotourism must be balanced with environmental stewardship and education. Outfitters in the outdoor recreation industry need to actively preserve and protect the environment that they enjoy. In appreciation of their effort, and success towards preserving our shared environment, Monterey Bay Kayaks will be donating all proceeds from Paddlefest 2004 to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.

Since 1985, Monterey Bay Kayaks has introduced thousands of people to the fun and unique experience of sea kayaking. They have established themselves as an industry leader with the following missions; 1) to give back to their community by contributing to organizations that provide educational opportunities for children and help protect their local marine environment, 2) to be a leader in the sea kayaking eco-tourism market through excellence in customer service and 3) to provide kayaking programs and a retail center that promotes education and environmental awareness.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Tara Roddy or Josh Mendenhall, please call 800-649-5357 or email Tara at tara@montereybaykayaks.com.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2003
Contact: Dennis Long of Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation
Office: 831-644-9600

MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS TO RECEIVE OCEANS DAY AWARD
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation and Monterey Bay Sanctuary To Pay Tribute

Monterey, CA. June 4, 2003--The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary will present a special Oceans Day Award to Monterey Bay Kayaks, a local kayak business located on Monterey Bay, to recognize their outstanding contributions to education and conservation of our ocean resources.

A presentation ceremony and reception will be held at Monterey Bay Kayaks on Sunday, June 8, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. Monterey Bay Kayaks is located at 693 Del Monte Blvd, Monterey, Calif.

June 8, 2003 marks a global celebration of the earth's marine environment. Established during the Earth Summit in 1992, World Oceans Day was designed to raise awareness of the world's oceans and their importance for wildlife and all life on earth.

Monterey Bay Kayaks, and their owners Jeff and Cass Schrock, are being honored for their help in fostering responsible ocean stewardship. Since 1985, Monterey Bay Kayaks has introduced thousands of people to sea kayaking as an exciting way to explore and learn about the Sanctuary and view its remarkable wildlife. Monterey Bay Kayaks paddling programs are designed to maximize the enjoyment of paddling, while minimizing disturbance to marine wildlife.

Monterey Bay Kayaks has been a long-time friend to the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation, said Foundation Executive Director, Dennis J. Long. They recruit terrific staff people, provide them with a great framework for educating the public, develop meaningful partnerships with others, and give a tremendous amount back to the community as part of their company philosophy.

Monterey Bay Kayaks has donated training, kayak rentals and funds to the Monterey Bay Sanctuary's TeamOCEAN summer kayak outreach program and has also donated kayak rentals to support a special Kayak Day involving Latino adults and families sponsored by the Sanctuary's MERITO program. They were one of the first area businesses to display sanctuary-related outreach materials in their store and have sponsored numerous educational forums on the Sanctuary and its wildlife.

Monterey Bay Kayaks has been an exceptional partner to the Sanctuary and is clearly deserving of this special Oceans Day Award, said Superintendent William J. Douros. We are particularly grateful to Monterey Bay Kayaks for the initiative they have taken to promote ocean stewardship and support, through in-kind donations and funds, some of the Sanctuary's most visible and important educational programs.

Managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary stretches along 276 miles of central California coast and encompasses more than 5,300 square miles of ocean area. Renowned for its scenic beauty and remarkable productivity, the Sanctuary supports one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, including 33 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds, 345 species of fishes and thousands of marine invertebrates and plants.

The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation whose goal is to promote protection and public understanding of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Since 1995 the Foundation has been instrumental in helping support research, education and enforcement initiatives for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

On the web:
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: http://montereybay.noaa.gov
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation: http://mbnmsf.org
Monterey Bay Kayaks: http://montereybaykayaks.com

Becky Ohsiek
MBSF
299 Foam Street
Monterey, Ca 93940
831-647-4209
becky.ohsiek@noaa.gov


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2003
Contact: Tara Roddy of Monterey Bay Kayaks
Office: 831-373-5357
email: tara@montereybaykayaks.com

Monterey Bay Kayaks Donates Proceeds from Paddlefest to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Monterey Bay Kayaks is hosting a Paddlefest, May 10th on Monterey Beach that will have over 100 kayaks to demo from 6 different manufacturers. Mini-classes and raffles will be held for those people interested in the fastest growing outdoor sport of kayaking. Registration is $20.00 per person and all proceeds will be donated to TeamOCEAN, an outreach program for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. TeamOCEAN is a seasonal kayaking program that provides face-to-face (on the water) interpretation of the Sanctuary's natural history, as well as guidelines on how to enjoy marine wildlife without disturbing it. In addition to the kayak vendors represented on the beach, TeamOCEAN will be in attendance to educate the participants of Paddlefest 2003, and other beach-goers, for the day.

At 6:30pm, Jen Jolly from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary will be presenting a slide show at Monterey Bay Kayaks. She will discuss the history and importance of the Sanctuary as well as the benefits a Marine Sanctuary provides for the local community and beyond.

Since 1985, Monterey Bay Kayaks has introduced thousands of people to the fun and unique experience of sea kayaking. They have established themselves as an industry leader with the following missions; 1) to give back to their community by contributing to organizations that provide educational opportunities for children and help protect their local marine environment, 2) to be a leader in the sea kayaking eco-tourism market through excellence in customer service and 3) to provide kayaking programs and a retail center that promotes education and environmental awareness.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Tara Roddy of Monterey Bay Kayaks, please call 800-649-5357
or email Tara: tara@montereybaykayaks.com