In the 1960s, the Beach Boys started telling the story of Southern California’s slice of the Pacific Ocean in their catchy pop tunes. Good Vibrations reverberated all the way to the East Coast, and folks everywhere fantasized about surfing with sun-kissed California Girls (and guys).
Today, outfitters from the sunny beaches of San Diego up to the rugged and foggy shores near San Francisco are still telling the story via exhilarating and inspiring ocean pursuits that attendees won’t soon forget.
Catch a Wave
The various beach, reef and point breaks that line California’s coast make it a world-class surfing destination that appeals to all levels, according to Izzy Tihanyi, CEO and owner of La Jolla-based Surf Diva Surf School (858.454.8273).
Since 1996, Surf Diva has been teaching people of all ages to surf.
"Our fastest-growing segment of students is baby boomers, and we serve all shapes and sizes, from a 2T to 3XL," Tihanyi says.
Corporate clinics are popular with companies ranging from six employees to groups of 150, and include lessons in ocean awareness, surf etiquette, paddling techniques and wave riding. If a planner chooses, certificates of achievement, goody bags and a catered lunch can be included in the package.
"Surfing brings people together because of the nature of the sport," Tihanyi says. "Everyone is on an even playing field and everyone is having fun together."
In Huntington Beach, surf lessons are available from Toes on the Nose (714.845.4638), which is operated out of the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa.
And up in Santa Cruz, where surfers have been riding the waves since 1885, are two local schools offering group surf lessons: Richard Schmidt Surf School (831.423.0928) and Club Ed Surf School (831.464.0177).
Great White Sight
Hitting Northern California’s frigid waters in a cage with the likelihood that a great white shark will glide by isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But the experience is exactly what Incredible Adventures (941.346.2603; www.incredible-adventures.com) offers groups of up to 32 people when they depart from San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and head for the Farallon Islands, one of the best places in the world to go diving with great whites.
Much like a whale-watching excursion, there is no guarantee the group will actually see a shark. But Jane Reifert, president of Incredible Adventures, insists it is still an awe-inspiring team-building outing.
"There’s a special bonding among people when they’re 25 miles from civilization without phones for 10 or more hours, covered in fog and sea spray and outnumbered by wildlife," she says. "There is the sense that you have gone where few have gone and experienced something few have experienced."
The full-day expeditions are seasonal, offered only during September, October and November, which are the peak months to view sharks feeding on the area’s population of elephant seals. Attendees can sign up as a cage diver or a topside observer, who are kept busy scanning the horizon for fins and helping to maneuver the seal decoys used to lure sharks near the boat. The company’s four-person shark cage floats just at the surface and divers breathe from a provided air hose.
"If someone can snorkel, they can shark dive," Reifert says, adding food and beverages are provided aboard the boat.
DIVINE DRIVE
If diving with sharks is a little too adventurous for attendees, a leisurely scenic drive along Monterey County’s portion of the Pacific will suit those seeking a coastal excursion.
Along the famous 17-mile Drive, they will witness how the other half lives, as the route winds through a neighborhood of dream homes and an elite cluster of golf courses, including Pebble Beach Golf Links, and they’ll see one of the most photographed coastal landmarks in the world.
Among the photo-worthy sights are Point Joe, the bleached branches of the Ghost Tree, and the Cypress Point Lookout, which offers fantastic views of the Big Sur coastline and the 200-year-old Lone Cypress.
According to the Monterey County CVB, there are opportunities to picnic at several locations along the route.
One company available for group tours of the Monterey area, including the 17-Mile Drive, is Ag Venture Tours and Consulting (831.761.8465).
Paddle Power
Kayaking is easily one of the most popular ways to experience the ocean in California.
There are numerous outfitters that ensure group safety and fun throughout the state. In Northern California, Liquid Fusion Kayaking (707.962.1623) takes groups out to explore Mendocino’s waters, and California Canoe & Kayak (510.893.7833) treats groups to sunset outings on the San Francisco Bay. Along the Central California Coast, Santa Barbara Adventure Company (805.965.1414; ) features evening astronomy tours in the harbor.
Located off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura is Channel Islands National Park, a gorgeous spot where groups can take guided kayak tours with Aquasports (805.968.7231).
"What is so great about kayaking is that once you get out on the water, groups forget all the chaos and daily work issues in life," says owner Eric Little. "Group sessions are good for companies, as you really see people in a different light—there are no egos, bosses or hierarchy. Rather, you are out there together hoping everyone succeeds."
If someone doesn’t feel they are strong enough, they can partner up with someone else in a two-person kayak.
Ahoy, Mateys
Inherent in kayaking is a great workout that many groups will appreciate, but for a more laid-back ocean outing, Hornblower Cruises & Events (888.467.6256) has become a standby option in the meetings industry. The company, which often books private corporate parties for up to 2,200 people, has ports in San Francisco, Berkeley, Old Sacramento, San Diego, Marina Del Rey, Long Beach and Newport Beach.
Also operating from Newport Beach is Duffy Electric Boat Company (949.645.6811; www.duffyboats.com), which has been around since 1970. According to Visit Newport Beach, the Duffy Boat is a signature attraction in Newport Harbor and a great group activity when combined with a scavenger hunt or a personalized tour of the homes of the rich and famous.
Stand Up and Surf
A Hawaiian sport that originated around the 1940s is gaining momentum in some of California’s famed surf spots, including Santa Cruz. According to the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council, the goal of paddleboarding is to stand on the surfboard and propel forward using a paddle, so there is no pressure to catch a wave and the sport can be enjoyed year-round, even when there is no swell.
Kayak Connection (831.479.1121) in Santa Cruz provides paddleboarding lessons, including how to handle a stand-up paddleboard, paddling techniques, and turning and balancing skills. La Vida Laguna (949.275.7544) is a similar outfitter that operates in Laguna Beach, as is Boardsports Windsurfing and Kiteboarding School (415.385.1224), which operates out of Alameda near Oakland.
Boardsports accommodates groups of up to 15 people, and once attendees are comfortable, team-building exercises include relay races and board balance games, according to owner Rebecca Geffert.
"The advantage is that you get a full-body workout, plus the view of the water from a standing position is vastly superior," she says.
Cruising for Critters
Wildlife sightings—among them, dolphins, sharks, seals and birds—are always a possibility when groups take to the ocean, regardless if it’s by kayak, boat or surfboard.
According to the California Travel & Tourism Commission, the Piedras Blancas Rookery (805.924.1628) is the prime spot to witness a huge herd of elephant seals seven miles north of San Simeon (which ties in perfectly after a stop at Hearst Castle).
During breeding and pupping season, generally December through March, the beach is home to some 15,000 elephant seals coming ashore to mate, give birth and just hang out. On-site docents are available to answer questions about the magnificent and extra-large creatures (who can reach up to 16 feet long and 5,000-plus pounds).
Whale-watching excursions are available throughout the state, including Laguna Beach, where Dana Wharf Sport Fishing & Whale Watching (949.496.5794) caters to groups. The cruise begins with a continental breakfast and a tour around Dana Point Harbor before traveling north for whale and dolphin viewing along the shoreline. The three-hour guided tour ends with a complimentary glass of champagne from Laguna Canyon Winery.
Up and Away
Another interesting way to take in the ocean in California is to get a bird’s-eye view of it with La Jolla-based Torrey Pines Gliderport (858.452.9858), whose instructors paraglide or hang glide in tandem with passengers.
"Our flights take place along four miles of pristine oceanside cliffs," says Porfirio Esparra III, the outfitter’s manager. "When participating in a tandem flight, sightings of surfers, dolphins, whales, sharks and much more are all possible."
All ages and physical abilities are welcome, he says, and because multiple instructors are available to fly, groups of 10 to 15 or more can be accommodated.
