You can still kayak in Ventura Harbor or Channel Islands Harbor if Lake Casitas is closed to outside boats. That's where I started and learned the basics. As you gain profiency you could venture out into the ocean with some buddies. Check into the kayak club that is based in Channel Islands and you can get some training with them. I now live in Tennesee and can't be much help.

When I built my Cirrus S&G, I read and reread and read the instruction manual again before I started. I tried to visualize each step and then did a dry run if possible. You will go through more gloves than you thought possible. Harbor Freight has some good deals on gloves. The Cirrus was my first kayak and I built it from plans. I am very proud of the results and I am still using it even though I have had a hip replacement and am now 70 years old. I didn't start kayaking until I was 64.

Good luck with your build and this forum can be a great help.

Bob Brownie
Nashville, TN