Explore North Coast [http://explorenorthcoast.net/ ] is an association of paddlers that holds regular paddling events, detailed on its calendar, and promotes paddling safety and education.

Humboats Kayak Adventures [ http://humboats.com/index.php ] offers kayak instruction, guided tours and kayak rentals from its waterfront location at Dock A, Woodley Island Marina, Eureka. Open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: (707) 443-5157.

Kayak Zak's [ www.kayakzak.com ] offers kayak instruction, guided trips and kayak and stand-up paddleboat rentals. Depending on the weather, Zak's will start going to Big Lagoon County Park with its rental trailer during spring weekends and then more often as the season progresses. Call ahead to plan appropriately. Phone: (707) 498-1130.

HSU's Center Activities program offers kayaking classes and tours.

[http://www.humboldt.edu/centeractivities/ ]

Adventure's Edge http://www.adventuresedge.com/[ ]

and Pacific Outfitters [ http://www.pacificoutfitters.com/ ]

are local suppliers of equipment. Both have stores in Arcata and Eureka.

--  Simona Carini