Discover Kayaking in Marina del Rey: UCLA Discounts and Opportunities

Marina del Rey, a scenic waterfront haven near UCLA, offers a fantastic escape for students and the general public alike. The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center (MAC) provides accessible and affordable opportunities to explore the waters through kayaking, sailing, and other watersports. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a complete beginner, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

UCLA Marina Aquatic Center: Your Gateway to Water Activities

Located at 14001 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, 90292, the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center (MAC) stands as UCLA's premier waterfront recreation facility, a mere 10 miles from campus. Sharing a driveway with the Breakwater, the MAC is accessible via a private drive marked by a small white UCLA MAC sign.

Accessibility and Affordability

The MAC is open to the UCLA community and the general public, offering a range of programs and rental options. UCLA students receive discounted rates on lessons and rentals through UCLA Recreation, making it an even more attractive option. The MAC offers free 90-minute paddle boarding and kayaking rentals for UCLA students and discounted rates on sailing and rowing classes, as well as rentals. Additionally, students can bring non-UCLA guests kayaking for a $5 fee.

Free Kayaking for UCLA Students

The free kayaking program is restricted to currently registered UCLA undergraduate and some graduate students. Students enrolled in a UCLA Self Supporting Degree program, extension program, graduate resident or post-doc program, are not eligible at this time. Before renting kayaks, currently enrolled UCLA students need to enroll in the free MAC Student Kayaking Membership from the UCLA Recreation webstore. This membership will need to be renewed quarterly to confirm eligibility. Students with this membership may bring non-student guests to share a double kayak, but before arriving to the facility will need to purchase a MAC Student Kayaking Guest Pass for $5 in the Multi-Visit pass section of the UCLA Recreation Webstore. If the non-student guest wishes to take their own single kayak, they will need to pay full price following the community guidelines.

Rental Options and Requirements

The MAC offers equipment rentals on a first-come, first-served basis for single and double sit-on-top kayaks, stand up paddleboards, laser sailboats, RS Quest sailboats, RS Vision sailboats, rowing shells, and sea touring kayaks. Reservations are required for kayak groups of 10 or more individuals and should be made at least one week in advance using this form: Kayak Group Reservation Requests.

Before renting, all members/renters must be water safe and able to meet a minimum swim requirement of swimming at least 100 yards and treading water for at least 5 minutes. They must also agree to and abide by all posted facility policy and are required to follow staff instruction. Double and Single Sit-on-Top Kayaks may be rented without taking a class, however must watch the kayaking orientation video before first rental or if a year has passed between rentals. It is advised to call before renting to confirm we do not have any weather restrictions or schedule disruptions.

Multi-Visit Passes and Rental Memberships

Multi-Visit Rental Passes or MAC Rental Membership must be purchased online before renting. Rental passes can be purchased in packages for 1, 5, or 10 visits, with each visit being valid for a maximum 90 minute rental visit. These passes can be purchased on the UCLA Recreation Webstore. The purchase of a pass does not guarantee equipment availability. Each visit is defined as a maximum 1.5 hour rental. Rental passes are non-refundable and non-transferable. The passes are valid for 1 year from date of purchase.

The MAC Rental Membership is a 3-month membership allows the pass holder an unlimited number of rentals within open rental hours. Membership holders are eligible to rent any equipment they are qualified on, including sit-on-top kayaks and stand up paddleboards which have no prerequisite. Membership holders are eligible for extended length blocks without fixed end times, but equipment availability is not guaranteed. Membership can be purchased and renewed online atUCLA Recreation Webstore under the ‘Memberships and Fitness Passes’ section and is valid for 90 days from date of purchase. UCLA Employees can enter promo code MAC20OFF for savings.

Essential Steps Before Renting

Before renting at the facility, there are 3 required components - All renters must:

Have an active and accurate account/profile in the UCLA Recreation system.
Complete payment and waivers online in the UCLA Recreation webstore with either a Multi-Visit Pass or Rental Membership.
Review facility policies, ensure proper certification requirements have been met, and/or watch required safety orientation videos (for sit-on-top kayaks and stand up paddleboards).

Kayaking Courses and Skill Development

For those looking to develop their kayaking skills, the MAC offers a variety of courses, including introductory classes and ocean kayaking clinics. These classes cover essential techniques, safety procedures, and rescue skills. Upon passing the Sea Kayaking I class, including the on-water practical and written exam, each student will be eligible for independent marina rentals at our facility and are qualified to participate in ocean kayaking classes other kayaking events and clinics.

Sea Kayaking I

This all-day class includes equipment orientation, paddling technique, wet exits, and rescue skills (capsize recovery). The class will be taught in Sit-inside kayaks with a skirt. You will learn how to attach a spray skirt, wet exit from your kayak, and will learn rescue techniques.

Prerequisites and Requirements

Kayaking Prerequisite: No paddle experience necessary. Swim Requirement: All participants in this program must be water safe and able to meet a minimum swim requirement of swimming at least 100 yards and treading water for at least 5 minutes. Course curriculums require moderate fitness and physicality. Our courses are best suited for those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, and are comfortable participating in long days of activity with some physical exertion.

What to Bring to Class

A packed lunch and personal snacks are recommended, as the lunch break is limited to approximately 30 minutes. You will also need to provide your own lock for the backpack lockers. Wear shoes with a light-colored, non-slip sole, and dress in athletic clothing that is comfortable and will dry quickly if it gets wet. Layers are recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions. Wetsuits are available free of charge at the Marina Aquatic Center.

Attendance and Refunds

Due to the progressive nature of our course curriculums, attendance of all course dates is critical to success in the course and is required for course completion. If you are unable to attend a course that you are registered for, please submit an online refund request form as soon as possible. Refund requests received by 12 (noon) 3 business days prior to the class (the Wednesday before the first class meeting, if it is a weekend class) receive a 90% refund. No refunds will be approved after the start of a course.

Experiencing Marina del Rey by Kayak

Kayaking in Marina del Rey offers a unique perspective on the area's beauty. The calm waters of the harbor provide a serene and peaceful environment, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Wildlife Encounters

One of the highlights of kayaking in Marina del Rey is the opportunity to encounter local wildlife. Birds and sea lions are common sights, often following kayakers throughout their trip.

A Serene Escape

Being out on the water is extremely calming and peaceful because of the area’s serene morning atmosphere. Just floating across the water really helps take the stress out of the week.

Tips for a Successful Kayaking Trip

Call in advance to double-check on weather conditions and availability.
Arrive early for parking, especially during peak student training times.
Be aware that the rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis rather than an appointment basis.
If you are planning to go in the afternoon, be aware that there will likely be more boats out, which might make maneuvering around the water somewhat more challenging.
Bring a Bruincard or Photo ID is required to rent and will be held by the dockmaster for the duration of the reservation.
Small cell phone lockers are available to store some valuables during a rental, but all other personal items should be stored either in your locked vehicle or in our locker room (locks not provided).

Getting to the Marina Aquatic Center

The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center is located at 14001 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292. Parking is limited at the facility, and all spaces are first-come, first-served. If parking at the facility, be sure park within the lines of the parking spaces to avoid blocking emergency access lanes and to avoid impeding the county bike path. Do not park in the Breakwater parking lot or garage - you will be towed. Vehicles parked in any yellow striped area will be subject to tow; Parking on any yellow lines forces other vehicles to drive on the bike path endangering pedestrians and bikers.

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