CLIPBOARD : Southwind Sports Resource

Joanne Turner began paddling around Newport Bay in a sea kayak six years ago, when most people in Orange County thought kayaks were meant only for rough and tumble runs down a river. But now, due in part to Turner’s efforts, the sleek craft are becoming common sights in local harbors.

A flotilla of decorated kayaks, including one paddled by Turner, even showed up amid the yachts at the Huntington Harbour boat parade last Christmas. The kayaks, perched elegantly atop owners’ vehicles, can also be seen heading down the freeway toward the coast or inland for a weekend of exploration on rivers and lakes.

Turner discovered sea kayaks, (also called touring kayaks) during an island-hopping vacation on the Maine coast. “A friend suggested I try kayaking and I thought he meant the kind you see on rivers that roll over and dunk you in the water,” said Turner. Instead, she was introduced to touring kayaks, long, slender craft used on calm water. The boats were popular on the East Coast, but hadn’t caught on yet in California.

When Turner came back from Maine, she put the word out around Orange County, hoping to find other people interested in paddling. Six people responded to the notices she posted on bulletin boards at local sporting goods stores, and the group formed what is now called California Kayak Friends, a 1,000-member organization of kayakers and canoeists. Turner became so involved in the sport that she quit her management consultant job to team up with partner Doug Schwartz to form Southwind Sports Resource, a kayak instruction and tour company.

Southwind provides beginning to advanced instruction in paddling technique and how to handle a capsize. The first class is enough to get you going, and when you’re ready for more, Southwind can show you how to explore places off-limits to boaters, such as sea-bound rock gardens and reefs. Instruction is also offered on how to ride the waves in a surf kayak, a growing branch of the sport that combines the thrills of surfing and kayaking.

Southwind’s upcoming camping and kayaking trip itinerary includes Catalina Island, Lake Mead, the Colorado River, Anacapa Island, Morro Bay and Utah’s Green River. Many trips are suitable for beginners and include transportation, kayak rental and catered meals. There are also free workshops and demonstrations each month and frequent pleasure paddles on nearby waterways.

For children ages 10 through 16, Southwind offers a kayak camp throughout the summer at Newport Dunes Aquatic Park in Newport Beach. The $225 fee includes camping, meals, boat rental and workshops designed by U.S. Junior Olympic coach Tom Long.

Address: 1088 Irvine Blvd., Suite 212, Tustin 92680

Telephone: (714) 730-4820 or (714) 857-5298 for recorded information.