How long will the program run?

The program will operate every Saturday and Sunday from August 13, 2011 to September 25, 2011.

Where will the program take place?

The program will be offered at the Sepulveda Recreation Basin in the San Fernando Valley segment of the River. The Sepulveda Recreation Basin is a popular recreational center, has easy access by public transit, car, and bicycle.  The boat launch location will have directional signage, restroom facilities, and parking nearby.   The boat launch location is at the southwest corner of the Balboa Blvd and the Los Angeles River, very close to one of the City’s best-known manmade lakes: Lake Balboa.

Why is there a fee and what does it cover?

The fee per participant is $50.00 plus a $3.74 handling fee. This covers the rental of the boats, safety equipment, labor, administration, equipment transport, and insurance. 

How do I register?

You can register by clicking here. Reservations are limited to two (2) tickets per person.Click here to register.

How many spaces are available?

Due to the short time frame of the pilot program, only a limited number of participants (280) will be able to participate this year.  Your support of this pilot program will pave the way for future recreational use of the river that will hopefully be able to meet the full extent of the public demand for this service.  Please express your support for a yearly program by emailing us your comments here.

How long is the tour?

The 1.5 mile tour will take approximately 2 ½ hours.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

You will receive a $25.00 refund in the mail if you cancel at least 24 hours prior to your assigned tour time. Your ticket is assigned only to you and may not be transferred to another person.

Can I go into the river on my own?

No, you can't go into the river without an official permit from the US Army Corps. Currently, recreational boating is not allowed on the river. Those caught on the river without a permit may be cited.  This is the first time in local history that the Corps has allowed recreational boating on the Los Angeles River. Be part of history!

What kind of safety measures have you taken for this program?

MRCA Park Rangers provided State Fire Marshal River and Flood Rescue training for kayak program staff. All kayak program leaders are qualified on this class of water.  They are also certified in American Red Cross basic first aid and CPR. In addition, the guides have worked with other agencies on specific flood management protocols.  Each ranger will have access to satellite communications at all times and is aware of key rescue points, if need be, throughout the route.

What about if it rains on the day of my scheduled trip?

Trips may be cancelled due to sudden changes in weather conditions such as flash floods or chance of rain.  Please check the website the night before your tour date for any cancellation notices.

When do I check in?

We recommend that you arrive at the boat check-in location at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the trip in order to allow time to prepare you with the proper equipment and assign you to a canoe/kayak. Make sure to give yourself enough time for parking and walking to the check-in location. Please make sure to read the insurance and liability waiver ahead of time and that you understand the risks involved in this activity. You must bring a signed copy to the check-in.

Once I have a reservation, what should I bring?

You should bring a copy of your receipt and liability waiver.  Second, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes with rubber soles. Water sandals that have a good rubber grip are fine. Flip flops are not allowed and you will not be allowed on the kayak/canoe without the proper shoe gear. You should wear comfortable clothing that dries quickly when it gets wet. In some sections of the river you will get wet up to your knees. We suggest you bring an extra set of clothing to change into dry attire upon your return.  Leave all valuables at home (i.e., your fingers will wrinkle with constant water contact and wedding rings can come loose, earrings will get in the way of your safety helmet).  For keys or other absolutely necessary items, bring your own waterproof bag or container.  The guides and the program itself are not responsible for any lost items, items that fall into the river, or items left in your car. Finally, please bring your own reusable water bottle. This program is plastic and bottled-water free.  The staff will have water available to refill your water bottles. 

Can I bring children or pets?

The LACC’s insurance limits the minimum age to 10 years and over.  Participants under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Pets are not allowed.

Who are the partners in this program?

The Los Angeles Conservation Corps has partnered with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), The River Project, Los Angeles River Expeditions,  Friends of the Los Angeles River, and Urban Semillas to develop a high caliber recreation-education boating program for the public during the license period. The Conservation Corps, along with many of its partners, is a non-profit organization that provides educational and training programs to young people. Since 1997, they have offered marine conservation programs at the Sea Lab, a hands-on science center located in Redondo Beach. The Center educates more than 20,000 youth and visitors about the importance of protecting our oceans and rivers. This program is a natural extension of this mission. Since 2009, the LACC has maintained a Los Angeles River Corps, a youth training program in partnership with the City of LA. This project combines classroom education with outdoor experience for our members and furthers the goals outlined in the City’s Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan through projects such as river clean-ups, litter abatement, graffiti removal and vegetation management in the Glendale Narrows segment of the River. Members participate in education and training sessions covering topics such as watershed habitat, native landscaping, river hydrology, ecology, and water quality management efforts.

What will be offered during the trips?

There will be two trips per day, with ten (10) slots available to the public per trip.   Each trip will have three certified guides and a ranger naturalist from the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA).   Each tour will include a short training session, educational talks from guest speakers on the river and its habitat, water quality, safety, and information on LAR programs. Participants will get a chance to view wildlife, navigate a kayak/canoe around drops and slow-moving water, and learn about the river's past, present, and future.

Are there additional precautions?

Kayaking and canoeing are water activities that will require some effort on your part. You will get wet, you will be asked to help haul your kayak/canoe (however, you should not do anything that you believe is beyond your capability), climb through some rocks, and keep close to the group.  You may lose stuff if it is not properly tied to the canoe and sealed.

How can I support this program and the Los Angeles River?

You can participate by donating to the Los Angeles Conservation Corps’ river maintenance and boating program by clicking here. When donating please indicate that you would like to designate your donation to the “Paddle the LA River Pilot Program”.

Some program partners also have donation and volunteer opportunities:

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, a Joint Powers Authority

The River Project

Friends of the Los Angeles River

Urban Semillas

Los Angeles River Expedition (for-profit organization)

You can learn more about the Los Angeles River through the program partner links or go to www.lariver.org, the City of Los Angeles River Website.