Sepulveda Basin Kayak Tour: Featuring Special Guest Expert!

Enjoy the leisurely ease of this flatwater, natural section of the Los Angeles river as you paddle through the best wildlife spot in all of LA!

Along they way you'll learn about the interconnectivity of the LA River and the Pacific Ocean from guest expert !

Sydney joins us from the USC Sea Grant Program where she is a Science, Research & Policy Specialist leading technology, outreach, and education programs to limit the flow of debris into our oceans. She'll explain how the health of the LA River affects marine life and habitats.

WHERE: This guided kayak tour is within the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone. It's a leisurely, 2-mile flatwater section of the river, with deeper water and few obstacles.

WHAT: This section is a calm, peaceful float surrounded by nature.

HOW: After safety instruction and a gear check, hop into a kayak. Expect to get a little wet but also enjoy a solid, full-body workout. Our guides will be with you all the way.

WHO: LA River Expeditions is the original boating outfit on the LA River and the only one leading tours in both Recreation Zones. We are the group that, in 2008, paddled the 51 miles of the river to help win environmental protections for it under the Clean Water Act. Since then, as a California nonprofit, we've put 20,000+ people on the river in kayaks. We're proud of having contributed to our community's enjoyment and learning.

WHY: We do all this because we are avid kayakers and all-around river enthusiasts. Our experienced guides are the topnotch — they've got decades of collective experience running rivers. They've received professional training in safety and paddling skills, and maintain First Aid/CPR certification. For its river conservation efforts, LA River Expeditions is the recipient of the Green Paddle Award (American Canoe Association), the River Warrior Award (Resource Renewal Institute) and the River Hero award (River Network).

NOTE These trips are fairly leisurely and relaxed. This is essentially 'flat-water' paddling. There is often 90+ degree heat, so protecting yourself accordingly is important. These trips are okay for boaters of all skill levels; beginners are welcome. The kayaks provided have a weight capacity of roughly 230lbs.

We reserve the right to restrict participation for any safety reasons. There is a strict no-refund policy though we can sometimes accommodate exchanges on a case-by case basis.

Answers to frequently asked questions can be found below.

• The Sepulveda Basin zone is our original location for guided kayak tours. It's the only parts of the river that has no concrete on the bottom or sides. This lush and peaceful section enjoys the river's best wildlife. This vibrant natural resource lends itself well to both kayaking and learning all about the river. You'll come away with a whole new perspective on the nature that's right here within urban Los Angeles, whether you're a resident or tourist.

• Yes. It can be very hot during the summer. If you have particular issues with heat, or tenuous medical issues, this just might not be for you. Please check the forecast the morning of your trip to be best-prepared.

• Age Limit: This activity is usually doable for people 10 years and up (barring any extraordinary health or physical conditions), as long as they have some experience paddling. We're glad to work with athletic beginners but know that the moving water makes things very exciting!
• Weight Limit: Yes, no more than 230 lbs. in this section of the river. The kayaks have weight capacity limits. Be sure that each person for whom you're buying a ticket meets this criteria. It's a stability/safety issue, so please respect that.
• Required Experience: The trip will require that you paddle your own kayak for about 2.5 miles. Beginners are welcome. Our staff will work with you on your paddling and boating skills.

• The river is deemed safe for recreation by the city of Los Angeles and Heal the Bay, who test the water weekly for any changes that could affect a person's health. If water monitoring tests reveal unusually high levels of bacteria, tours will be canceled, and we will do our best to accommodate everyone on a future tour.
• LA River Expeditions has not had any notable reported health incidents due to river water since we began running tours in 2011. Nonetheless, we take safety seriously. There are ample supplies of anti-bacterial sanitizers, plus fresh water to wash off with at the end of your tour.
• Additional information about water quality and testing from the Los Angeles Department of Sanitation

• Your Welcome Packet contains detailed parking and walking directions to get you to the launch site.

• The trips are sometimes canceled due to poor weather or water quality. If that happens, we will work with you to reschedule you for another tour as soon as possible.

• We do not offer refunds. Please plan ahead so you aren't late and don't get lost. We can accomodate transfers to another date on a case by-case-basis.
• * Event dates, times, and venues are subject to change at the discretion of the organizer , sometimes with little notice. It is the responsibility of the ticket holder to verify any changes prior to the event. Any changes will be communicated by email via Eventbrite. Please be sure to check your spam folder!

• You will receive a confirmation email with a link to our Welcome Packet. It contains important information inlucluding: 2 waivers that must be signed by all participants; detailed schedule, directions & parking recommendations; suggestions on what to wear & what to bring (+what not bring). The Welcome Packet will also be included in an additional email the day before your trip.

We look forward to seeing you soon on the LA River!