Aquatic Adventures

Center Activities is the regional boating safety center for the North Coast and is supported by the California State Parks Division of Boating & Waterways. The Division allocates funds for boating facilities, boating safety education and boating law enforcement throughout California. Center Activities’ aquatics equipment inventory is also funded by Boating & Waterways to enhance boating safety education in Northern California.

The Aquatic Adventure Program provides a variety of boating instruction courses in canoeing, rafting, surfing, sailing, windsurfing, sea kayaking and river kayaking. All trip logistics including location, transportation, equipment, instruction, and guides are organized by Center Activities. 

Water Safety Requirements: To participate in any Aquatics class you must be "water safe". You must have the ability to swim a short distance using any stroke and be able to tread water for five minutes. If you are unsure of your ability to complete the above skills, you must make an appointment through the Arcata Community Pool to be tested. 

Aquatics Equipment and Rental Program: All aquatic classes include use of boats, boating equipment, personal floatation devices (PFDs), spray jackets and Farmer John wetsuits. Surfing classes include hooded full-body wetsuits, surfboards and booties. Aquatic equipment, not scheduled for use by a Center Activities class, is available through our rental program to qualified persons. To ensure user safety, to maintain quality and to care for the equipment, there are checkout requirements on all aquatic equipment. Reservations are suggested as equipment is rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental fees must be paid at the time of reservation. Deposits are required for all rentals.