Join Body Boat Blade for a small-group, private rough water sea kayaking trip to La Bufadora, Baja California. This trip takes place in one of Baja’s most iconic and dynamic coastal environments and is offered in an intimate format with focused coaching, flexible objectives, and maximum time on the water.

La Bufadora is a powerful and engaging coastal playground, featuring exposed headlands, rock gardens, sea caves, surge channels, and energetic Pacific swell. Conditions can range from playful to demanding, making this an ideal setting for paddlers looking to refine boat control, timing, decision-making, and confidence in real ocean energy.

This trip is designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers who are comfortable paddling in wind and waves and want to deepen their rough-water skill set. Each day will be shaped by conditions, with sessions that may include rock hopping, surf launches and landings, working in surge and rebound, reading water, group management, and dynamic rescues in rough environments.

This private trip allows for a high coach-to-participant ratio, personalized feedback, and the ability to tailor days around the group’s goals and prevailing conditions. Expect long days on the water, intentional progression, and plenty of time observing, discussing, and learning from the ocean itself.

Trip highlights include:

• World-class rough water

• Small group size for individualized coaching

• Progressive instruction in real ocean conditions

• Emphasis on safety, judgment, and confidence in dynamic water

• No shore support; all days are fully self-supported on the water with multiple coaches present

This trip is physically and mentally demanding and best suited for paddlers who are comfortable being challenged, adapting to changing conditions, and spending full days engaged in ocean environments.

If you’re looking for an immersive rough-water experience in one of Baja’s most iconic locations, this trip offers the depth, focus, and intensity that small-group instruction makes possible.

This trip will be led by Alex LaLonde and joined by Victor Leon and Jennifer Kleck!

We’ll be based at a comfortable bunkhouse near La Bufadora with hot showers, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. The bunkhouse includes five lower bunks and five upper bunks. A large tent camping area is located next door, along with additional toilets for campers and busy times.

If you choose to camp, the bunkhouse will still serve as your home base for meals, bathrooms, and gathering space—your tent simply becomes your sleeping and storage area.

Breakfast and lunch fixings will be laid out each morning so everyone can feed themselves and pack a lunch for the day. Most dinners will also be at the bunkhouse. Every meal includes vegetarian options, and other dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Water, tea, and coffee are provided. Soda, juice, beer, snacks, and other items can be purchased within walking distance at a small market. There will be a cooler available for personal beverages.

For simplicity and community, we’ll also have a communal cooler stocked with beer and boxes of wine. Please help yourself and contribute to the communal booze jar (honor system—about $1.50 per beverage; keep a rough count and contribute at the end).

Travel Day to La Bufadora: Sunday 4/19

We can accommodate hotel pickups, or you may meet at the departure location. We plan to depart between 9:00–10:00 am. The easiest hotels for pickup are near the airport or in Hotel Circle.

We’ll travel by van (approximately 2–3 hours) to Ensenada, stop for tacos for lunch, and then continue on to La Bufadora to settle in.

Depart La Bufadora: Saturday morning 4/25 for the return to San Diego. Hotel drop-offs will be provided for as many participants as possible. We typically arrive back in San Diego around 5:00 pm, though northbound border crossings can be unpredictable.

For travel planning:

• Flights on Sunday 4/26 are the safest option

• Saturday flights after 8:00 pm are generally workable, but not guaranteed

Some equipment is available to borrow, including PFDs, helmets, spray skirts, and a limited number of paddles. Paddle rentals are available for $25. Fit may not be ideal, and paddles may differ from what you normally use, so bringing your own gear is strongly encouraged when possible.

A large deck spray skirt works on most of our kayaks.

Required Items

1. Passport

2. Cash (USD) – Pesos are not required; US dollars are widely accepted and exchanged at a fair rate. Bring small bills (fives and tens are ideal). Some locations do not accept credit cards. You’ll need cash for one dinner out, snacks, and alcohol.

3. Good footwear – Rocky beaches require sturdy neoprene booties or similar water shoes. For land, sandals with heel straps or comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

4. Paddling clothing – Cold water immersion is expected. A dry suit is ideal. Thin insulating layers underneath work well, with extra layers available to adjust as needed. A wetsuit and paddle jacket can work for those accustomed to cold water.

5. Land clothing – Shorts and t-shirts, plus long pants, fleece, and a windbreaker or light rain jacket. No laundry facilities are available, but hot showers are.

6. Sleeping bag or sheets – Even for the bunkhouse. A compact 40°F sleeping bag is sufficient.

7. Your normal kayaking gear (aside from items borrowed as noted). Laminated charts of the area are provided.

8. Small dry bag(s) for lunch and personal items

9. Toiletries, sunscreen, personal items
   Towels are provided for those flying.

Weather in this area can be variable. Expect a mix of hot, sunny days and cooler, foggier mornings. Afternoon breezes are common. Nights can be damp with heavy dew.

Water temperatures are typically in the mid-50s °F. Participants should be prepared for cold-water immersion and extended time on the water in dynamic conditions.

There will be an optional day trip to nearby islands during the week. This involves a powerboat ride out to the islands, followed by a circumnavigation and a 9-mile paddle back to our base.

• Cost: $50 per person

• Minimum group size: 5 participants

• No advance commitment required—we’ll discuss and decide as a group during the week based on interest and conditions

While we don’t expect medical issues, it’s important to be prepared. There are quality hospitals in Ensenada, and San Diego’s hospitals are within reach if needed. Emergency transportation and care in a foreign country can be costly, and delays may occur while insurance is arranged.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel medical insurance for this trip. One affordable option is GeoBlue International Travel Insurance:
https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com