As a kayak outfitter running tours daily out of Trinidad Harbor for the last eleven years, we have experienced the chaos, confusion, and at times conflict that arises during the busy seasons at Trinidad Harbor from a lack of clear direction for vehicle traffic attempting to access the boat launcher, launch beach, vacation rental, Trinidad Head, Trinidad State Beach, commercial fishing pier, and restaurant located there. Having kayaked out of many larger and busier harbors around the country, we have seen first hand how loading zones can benefit organization and flow of what would otherwise be chaotic and congested areas.

Designated loading areas are commonplace in every harbor and marina across the lower 48 states. The lack of such an area in Trinidad Harbor leads to unnecessary confusion for visitors and locals alike, especially the growing number of kayakers attempting unload to access the ocean via launch beach. With no designated area for loading, people often load or unload in the middle of the vehicle path through the harbor that leads to the boat launcher and launch beach. Blocking of traffic and access by confused folks often leads to tension between various groups attempting to access launch beach or the neighboring boat launch and Rancheria harbor staff, and presents the opportunity for selective enforcement of unclear rules. 

Most days there are just a few people and the impact is minimal, but on busy days it could be much more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Trinidad Harbor is a magnificent public resource that is privately owned. The protected ocean access is unique for a hundred miles around and allows small craft like kayaks direct, consistent, relatively safe ocean access without having to negotiate surf. Being such a rare public resource for ocean access  draws a wide range of interests, personalities, and temperaments to the harbor and mixes them all together in one small spot.

Most folks are friendly and courteous, and some folks are less so. It is to be expected in a gathering place for so many different kinds of thalassophiles. 

Clearly designating a loading zone reduces the potential for those not in the know to unintentionally impede or block traffic flow and find themselves in an unexpected situation that is less than friendly.

Despite our great effort to load and unload quickly and as unobtrusively as possible while ensuring traffic flow and access for all while keeping our group sizes minimal despite greater demand as to limit impact in the harbor, over the last few years we have personally been harassed, threatened with violence, and had the sheriff called on us over a dozen times by harbor staff. We were never informed of any problem before the sheriff’s arrival in any of those instances and the reason each time is unclear and arbitrary, often never explained at all. 

Designating a loading area also reduces the opportunity for selective enforcement of unclear rules. It leaves no grey area.

We load and unload as quickly and out of the way of everyone as possible in the area where most local kayakers load already. This is a common sense place for a designated loading zone, out of the way of the flow of traffic yet close enough to launcher beach so folks unloading and carrying their kayaks can do it easily, especially if they are limited in mobility or physically challenged.

Because we are there every day during the busy season, we often end up spending our time directing traffic to maintain flow and access for all groups to help keep the peace and prevent kayakers from potential unexpected drama. We are happy to help when we can, but this isn’t our responsibility and isn’t sustainable. A simple “15 minute loading/unloading only” sign would solve most of the problems that arise by eliminating the confusion.

This suggestion has been presented to harbor management and Trinidad Rancheria many times over the last decade and no effort has ever been made to resolve or improve the situation. After directly requesting this improvement to the Rancheria CEO multiple times over the last year, again no progress was made.

Our goal in bringing this petition to Trinidad Rancheria now is to show not just local community support from our tiny town of 300 residents for this simple and cost effective solution to a longstanding problem that benefits everyone, but also support from folks that visit the harbor from outside the area. We hope this will add weight to this request so the issue is not as easy to ignore for another year. 

We understand Trinidad Rancheria leadership is very busy and this issue is not at the top of their list of current projects, but basic function in the harbor needs to be improved and this is an easy way to do it. We will gladly pay for the loading zone sign and put it in place ourselves if it makes it easier to get it done. 

Let's ensure that all visitors and locals alike - whether they're kayakers or anyone - can enjoy this wonderful public resource without confusion, conflict, and negative experience. After all, most people are there to have fun and enjoy themselves. 

Join me in urging Trinidad Rancheria to make this necessary change by designating a loading zone in Trinidad Harbor. Please sign this petition today! 

Thank you and happy paddling!