FAQs

EQUIPMENT FOR COLLECTING SEAWEED

• Large and medium sized strong plastic bags and buckets to put seaweeds in: seaweeds are much larger when fresh and wet than dry. I particularly like the mesh bags, like reusable orange or potato sacks, which makes it easier to rinse the seaweeds in the salt water. It’s also nice to have about 10 ziplock style bags and a sharpie to label and help remember seaweed ID. 

• I have some  scissors, but please bring your own as well.

WHAT TO WEAR

• Shoes for harvesting: non-slipping shoes that can get wet, such as rubber boots, wet sock booties, or boots/sneakers that you don't mind getting wet. I tend to wear a pair insulated rubber boots, or older hiking shoes with good traction and wool socks. Any old sneakers and wool socks work well. What’s most important is good traction, as it’s slippery on the wet rocks. 

• Clothes: this depends on your comfort level with the tides; wetsuit, some non-cotton pants to wade in (like wool or fleece), shorts if you don't mind the cold wading in the ocean for an hour. It is totally possible to harvest without getting all wet, but it is slippery and folks do often slip a little into the tide pools and the rocks can be sharp. Think protective.  Gloves are also nice, but will need to be taken on and off a lot. Even a pair of rubber palmed garden gloves works good, and are more flexible and can be kept on. Bring a wetsuit if you have one and want to bring it.

• Warm dry shoes to wear after harvesting, and maybe even warm dry clothes depending on your style of harvesting. Since weather is less predictable at the ocean, bring layers.

• If planning to dry seaweeds on site, a tarp, sheet, or large screen door would be helpful.  Also rope or heavy string is nice for hanging the larger seaweeds, and clothespins are nice if it is windy.

CAMPING GEAR

• You'll need a Tent, Sleeping Bag(s), Sleeping pad(s), Rain Gear, Warm Clothes, Hiking shoes, Hat/Sunscreen, Daypack, Food/Snacks (class fee does not include all meals - please see info in the agenda), Camp Stove/pots, Camping Chair, Flashlight, Water Bottle, Firewood, and most importantly, a sense of adventure!  

• Please bring a food bowl, drinking mug, and non-disposable utensils as well as your own water 

• bottle!  I have a 2 burner Primus stove and 5 gallon propane tank that I share, but will also be using it for our food demos and food preparation.  I recommend extra bowls and pots for your food cooking and serving.  

• Sunday morning breakfast and Saturday lunch, preferably something you can throw in your pack. 

• Daypack with snacks and plenty of water - we have potable water onsite as well.

• Rain gear

• Sun protection: strong sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses

• Comfortable folding chair-course takes place outside

• Optional: Notebook, Pen or Pencils, Camera, Bathing Suit.