We're always looking for new places to explore in our local area - as well as
abroad. We often look to local guidebooks to learn about new placesto
launch our kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. Unfortunately, guidebooks
only tend to cover locations that the author knows about (or prefers).
Sometimes, the best locations for launching your boat get left out completely,
or only get a brief mention. The internet has been a great resource for
finding new kayak launch sites and put ins, but the information is rarely
centralized. In creating this website, we hope to accomplish two goals:
- We'd like to centralize kayak, canoe, and manually powered craft launching
information
- We'd like to develop a free user-edited route / trip description network
for the water
Already, many trail networks exist for land based activities - but there is
still a need for water trail networks. Once you know where to launch your
boat, you still need to know where to go! To accomplish this goal, our
site allows and encourages users to upload GPS tracks of their paddle
routes. Users who wish to discover new routes can then download these
tracks, review them on maps, and even follow the routes in real life by
tracing the "breadcrumb" trail on their GPS!
If you'd like to help get this site developed, please don't hesitate to
suggest a new site! If there is a site that already exists and you have
more information to add, don't hesitate! This service is completely free,
and is quick and easy to use!
As far as costs are concerned, this site costs about 160 dollars per
year to run; donations are obviously welcome to help offset that
cost - use the "Tip Jar" link on the side of the page.
Please note that in spite of the "dot org" address, GOTOES is NOT a
501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. This site is not run for
profit; our mission is to help centralize information for kayaks,
canoes, windsurfers, and anyone else who loves the water. Remember, your accurate, informative edits are
the most important help you can provide! Thanks for your interest in helping to develop a
central location for California Launch Sites and Water
Trails! |