Facility
The Channel Islands Boating Center is a facility to provide educational and recreational opportunities for students of California State University, Channel Islands, and Ventura County residents. The facility includes:
- Lobby/ exhibit area that includes displays, interactive kiosks and the Magic Planet.
- The exterior lobby area that includes a variety of exhibits about the marine environment and a large scale chart.
- Two upstairs classrooms that can accommodate up to 35 people each or the two rooms can be combined to accommodate up to 70 people.
- A conference room with a wall of floor to wall windows.
- An upper deck overlooking the views of the harbor.
- First floor showers and locker rooms.
- Indoor and outdoor boat storage areas.
- Exterior workshop for boat maintenance and repairs.
- Newly constructed dock/
Exhibits
The exhibits for the Center are outdoors near the lobby entrance, inside the building in the lobby area, and upstairs in the multipurpose rooms. The purpose of the exhibits is to provide users of the building with educational information about the Santa Barbara Channel, the Channel Islands themselves, the unique wildlife and marine life in this area, the protections in place for these species, and the historic use of this area by native populations (primarily Chumash), shippers, and others. The exhibits include information on climate change and the effects of changing populations over time. The first network of marine reserves designated in California in 2003, off the northern Channel Islands, are also covered.
Mural
- The Channel Islands off our shoreline, represented by Anacapa Arch, a local marine landmark highlighting the uniqueness of the series of islands, forming the Santa Barbara Channel.
- The juxtaposition of a traditional Chumash tomol with a modern sailing vessel expressing the long history of boating in the area, and the key role of the ocean in its development.
- Our marine environment is celebrated with a depiction of kelp forest, along with dolphins, a local species, that also indicates the connection with CSU Channel Islands.
- A compass rose indicating true north arches over the image.
Fleet
Dinghies
We have 17 dinghies which include Picos, CFJs and Capri 16.5. The Picos and CFJs are great for training and introducing racing while the Capri dinghies are a great stepping stone before moving into a keel boat.
Kayaks
We have a selection of 24 kayaks. These include Ocean Kayak sit-on-tops, as well as Perception recreation/ touring kayaks and Necky day touring kayaks.
Windsurf
We have windsurfing equipment for everyone, no matter what level you’re at. We have 8 boards and and a wide selection of sails and rigs from Starboard. We also have a range of sails for the land-based simulator that help you learn basic skills before putting them into action on the water.
Safety Boats
We currently have two Boston Whalers and one RIB that serve as our teaching platform while on the water and provide assistance when needed.