Latest News
2/19/2011 - City2 Sea’s – Marine Science Learning Center” – 1/29/11 Trip
10/6/2010 - City2 the Sea's interactive, on-the-water Marine Science Learning Center 1st Trip
9/29/2010 - "A Whale of a Good Time" – Sept 18th Trip
9/2/2010 - Contender gives kids well-earned day at sea
9/2/2010 - Summer 2010 Fundraising Campaign
"A Whale of a Good Time" – September 18th Trip
By: Captain John Sakacs
When was the last time you saw something that took your breath away? On Saturday, September 18th , 11 teenagers from our newest group; the Animo Leadership Charter High School had the opportunity to get close enough to almost touch the blue whales swimming outside of Redondo Beach in the Santa Monica Bay.
Our 1st challenge was getting our group together. We received a call from the captain of a commercial whale watching boat asking if we were missing some of our students. It was decided that it would be quicker to pick them up at his boat ½ mile away instead of having them try to walk back and find our boat So, after the VIP pick-up service, we were on our way.
Our 1st stop was a short visit with the sea lions that were sunning themselves next to the bait dock….always a crowd pleaser that creates instant excitement. While the students took out their cameras and video recorders, one of the teenagers shared her book on species identification with the other students.
We then proceeded to the whale watching show. Our 1st stop caught everyone’s attention. Between the paddle boarders, kayakers, and other boaters, the 1st blue whale broke the surface. Everyone aboard Contender, including the captain, broke out into huge smiles. We were treated to a spectacular whale show, featuring at least 20 blue whales, that we may never see again.
On our way to the next stop, 3 miles out to sea, students on the port side of the boat in front and in back started screaming….”SHARK.” I did not see it, but, both sets of students saw it at the same time and confirmed the fin came out of the water right next to the boat. Contender is 29’ feet long, so all I can confirm is that it was a very big shark!
We were also treated to a dolphin show that lasted forever. They swam around us as we headed back in. As we approached the Redondo Beach Harbor, many of the students’ eyes remained fixed on the ocean, spotting more whales behind us. Others seemed to be just staring off in the distance, taking in all of the sights and sounds that they experienced on this perfect day.
The only sad part of the trip for me was realizing that it would be the last trip for the participants of our program on Contender. In her short time with us, she has served us well. It is a beautiful fishing boat that will provide many hours of fun to her next owner.
The really exciting news is Kids & Fishing has received a beautiful 38’ boat donated by Tom Stall. This new boat, Circe, allows us to create our on-the-water Marine Science Learning Center. Through our new program, City2 the Sea, we are bringing more marine science to the classroom and the classroom to the sea. We are creating memories that will last a lifetime and a connection to the ocean forever.
Mark your calendars, City2 the Sea’s 1st official trip out to sea is October 9th. Many of today’s students will be on our Maiden Voyage on Circe.
Kids & Fishing relies solely on corporate and individual donations. All donations go directly to benefit the children. To see how you can participate, call (310) 908-9198 or log on to www.kidsandfishing.org
By: Captain John Sakacs
When was the last time you saw something that took your breath away? On Saturday, September 18th , 11 teenagers from our newest group; the Animo Leadership Charter High School had the opportunity to get close enough to almost touch the blue whales swimming outside of Redondo Beach in the Santa Monica Bay.
Our 1st challenge was getting our group together. We received a call from the captain of a commercial whale watching boat asking if we were missing some of our students. It was decided that it would be quicker to pick them up at his boat ½ mile away instead of having them try to walk back and find our boat So, after the VIP pick-up service, we were on our way.
Our 1st stop was a short visit with the sea lions that were sunning themselves next to the bait dock….always a crowd pleaser that creates instant excitement. While the students took out their cameras and video recorders, one of the teenagers shared her book on species identification with the other students.
We then proceeded to the whale watching show. Our 1st stop caught everyone’s attention. Between the paddle boarders, kayakers, and other boaters, the 1st blue whale broke the surface. Everyone aboard Contender, including the captain, broke out into huge smiles. We were treated to a spectacular whale show, featuring at least 20 blue whales, that we may never see again.
On our way to the next stop, 3 miles out to sea, students on the port side of the boat in front and in back started screaming….”SHARK.” I did not see it, but, both sets of students saw it at the same time and confirmed the fin came out of the water right next to the boat. Contender is 29’ feet long, so all I can confirm is that it was a very big shark!
We were also treated to a dolphin show that lasted forever. They swam around us as we headed back in. As we approached the Redondo Beach Harbor, many of the students’ eyes remained fixed on the ocean, spotting more whales behind us. Others seemed to be just staring off in the distance, taking in all of the sights and sounds that they experienced on this perfect day.
The only sad part of the trip for me was realizing that it would be the last trip for the participants of our program on Contender. In her short time with us, she has served us well. It is a beautiful fishing boat that will provide many hours of fun to her next owner.The really exciting news is Kids & Fishing has received a beautiful 38’ boat donated by Tom Stall. This new boat, Circe, allows us to create our on-the-water Marine Science Learning Center. Through our new program, City2 the Sea, we are bringing more marine science to the classroom and the classroom to the sea. We are creating memories that will last a lifetime and a connection to the ocean forever.
Mark your calendars, City2 the Sea’s 1st official trip out to sea is October 9th. Many of today’s students will be on our Maiden Voyage on Circe.
Kids & Fishing relies solely on corporate and individual donations. All donations go directly to benefit the children. To see how you can participate, call (310) 908-9198 or log on to www.kidsandfishing.org