Category: kayaking

Kayaking for Kids

Today we went kayaking for kids. The event was a fundraiser for Oakland Goes Outdoors (OGO), an organization with a mission to get Oakland middle school students outdoors. Sea Trek provided the logistical support for the event at their facility at Ballena Bay in Alameda.

All the participants for today’s paddle chipped in to help raise over $5000, all of which goes to OGO. We started the day with an introductory talk and introductions, then the Sea Trek crew helped get everybody in boats and on the water. We had a leisurely guided tour around the Ballena Bay lagoon and then a few of the more adventuresome paddlers went out onto the bay and around the island enjoying a little bit of the wind and the choppy water.

After the paddle OGO provided tasty sandwiches for lunch and a presentation about their program.

Getting kids outdoors has numerous benefits, including improved attentiveness, lower stress, reduced absenteeism and better academic performance.

In 2023-2024, more than 5,600 students from 23 schools participated in 221 trips during the regular school year. During the summer of 2024, they also coordinated 71 trips serving more than 1,650 students across the district.

Spending time in nature also helps kids develop an interest in environmental stewardship. That’s something I can support. If you’d like to donate, click here.

More photos of the paddle are available in an online gallery.

Choppity Chop Chop

Today’s paddle takes us from Barbara and Jay Vincent Park in Richmond to the Berkeley Marina. We launched on a rising tide, with quite a bit of gravel beach exposed at 10:30. Current was not much of a concern. A gentle breeze was blowing when we launched with more wind predicted for the afternoon.

Once all nine of us were on the water we headed for the southeast corner of Brooks Island and then changed course for Berkeley. A few pelicans wheeled overhead, and a harbor seal startled when we must have interrupted its nap. We paddled inside the Berkeley breakwater and holed up near the entrance to the marina. There our leader announced that we would paddle into the marina and haul out at the boat ramp for lunch. It was 11:45 when we landed. After lunch and the requisite chocolate fix we were back on the water retracing our path.

We had just enough wind to create a bit of chop with a few waves splashing over my boat. I discovered that my spray skirt was leaking, and I could feel the cold water dribbling down the back of my wetsuit. I ended up with more water in my boat that I would like. The spray skirt is something I’ve been meaning to replace; today’s paddle makes it a priority. My boat handles well in the wind and the chop so the wet and bouncy ride made for a fun run.

At 1:45 we were back on the beach having logged 7.3 miles, and I felt like I had had a good workout. More photos are available in an online gallery.

Exploring Sausalito by Kayak

How often do you arrive at a planned event to find out everybody else is ahead of schedule? That happened to us today. We arrived at our launch site at 9:30 for a 10:30 launch to find everybody already had their boats on the beach, and suiting up to get on the water. I had to hustle to get my stuff together to join the huddle. Our fearless leader Jennifer gave us a briefing and after a radio check we were on the water at 10:15, 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Wind was predicted to build in the afternoon, so everybody was a bit anxious to get on the water early.

The plan was to launch from Horseshoe Bay to ride the flood around Yellow Bluff and explore the waterfront of Sausalito. After slack water at 12:03 we could then ride the ebb back. We made it as far as Dunphy Park where the wind was making us work. We decided that Dunphy Park would be our lunch stop since paddling further up Richardson Bay would mean a slog into the wind.

At 11:20 we were pulling our boats up the beach and unpacking lunch. A few flocks of pelicans plied the air, looking like some prehistoric flying animals. After a short lunch stop we were back on the water at noon anxious to get back before the wind continued to build. As we approached Yellow Bluff a few paddlers opted to explore the turbulent waters of the Yellow Bluff tide race, but the bulk of the pod decided to stay close to shore. We did have our work cut out with wind in areas that were exposed, but staying close to shore gave us some protection.

Coming around Point Cavallo we set a course away from the shore to avoid an eddy what would only add to our work effort. Once we were clear of the eddy we turned into the harbor. At 1:15 all eleven of us were back on the beach having logged 6.4 miles. A great paddle with great comradery and just enough spice from the wind to make the paddle interesting. More photos are available in an online gallery.

Paddle Adventure: Ferry Point to Angel Island

Today’s paddle takes us from Ferry Point in Richmond to Quary Beach on Angel Island. The plan was to take advantage of the currents, riding to the island on the end of the ebb tide and returning on the beginning of the flood. Our trip leader shared from her knowledge of the currents; as you approach Angel Islands the ebb current flows around both the north and south side of the island on its way out the Golden Gate. The trick is to pick a course that will keep you in a position so that you don’t get swept either way around the island. Slack water was at 11:14. After the usual briefing and safety check we were on the water at 9:25.

After launching off the beach we all held up to let the ferry pass, then we were out on the bay crossing to Angel Island on calm water with just a few bumps from passing ferries. Our intended course served us well. Once we were near the island we turned south, paddling around Quarry Point and landing on Quarry Beach at 11:45. Good timing for the day’s currents. We took advantage of the picnic tables on the bluff just above the beach.

After lunch we were back on the water heading back to our launch site. With the tide turning we were now paddling with the flood coming in the gate and we again chose a course to take advantage of the current, paddling back around the island to Point Simpton and then turning towards Richmond. On this leg we saw a few porpoises in the distance. As we crossed the open water, we started to experience some following seas. Nothing to alarm us, but it did require some skill to keep the boats on course.

Track of the paddle from Ferry Point to Angel Island

We were back on the beach at 12:55 having logged 8.4 miles. More photos are available in an online gallery.

Marconi to Tomales Beach

Today’s adventure takes us to Tomales Bay, one of my favorite places to paddle. We gathered at the beach at Marconi Cove, just south of the town of Marconi. There isn’t much here in the way of facilities. No toilets, and a gravel ramp. A nice gravel beach works well for launching kayaks. We gathered under grey skies with a prediction for light winds.

Nine of us, all BASK members, were on the water at 10:30. We paddled across the bay to the Point Reyes Peninsula, and then we followed the coast heading northwest along the coast.

Shortly after noon we landed on Tomales Beach. The cloud layer dissipated, and we enjoyed lunch on a sunny beach.

After lunch we made our way back to our launch site. It was just after 2:00 when we landed, having logged 8 miles.

Horseshoe to Angel Island

The plan was to launch our kayaks from Horseshoe Bay in Sausalito and to paddle to a beach near Point Blunt where we would land for lunch. After reviewing the paddle plan, a safety briefing and a radio check we were on the water at 10:30.

From Horseshoe Bay the nine of us paddled out in the clearing fog, with fog horns bellowing and ships horns bellowing. By paddling into the bay a bit, we were able to pick up a current to carry us towards Angel Island. Approaching the island, we found a patch of confused and lumpy water just off of Point Knoxx, not unusual for these waters. A peek around the Point suggested that our intended plan would involve a surf landing given the wind. The consensus of the group was to avoid the surf landing and to land at Fort Reynolds (West Garrison). The wind had come up more than we had anticipated, making conditions a bit more challenging.

After lunch we were back on the water. In order to avoid a long slog into the wind, we paddled across Raccoon Straight to Peninsula Point and then changed course for Sausalito. For this leg I was too busy paddling to pick up my camera. With part of our group apparently anxious to make a short path to Yellow Bluff, we had our work cut out paddling into the wind. A more efficient route would have been to paddle to the Sausalito coast before turning to Yellow Bluff. This was actually suggested as the preferred route, but pod dynamics being what they were, we worked a bit harder than we needed.

Once we were all gathered up inside of Yellow Bluff, we rounded the point and met the full force of wind blowing 20 knots or so. It was hard work covering the last quarter mile. We all felt like we had a good workout when we were back on the beach at 2:45, logging 8 miles. More photos are available in an online gallery

Paddling the Apostles

Our adventure starts on July 14. That’s when we met our guide and completed our safety check. The outfitters, Trek and Trail, require paddlers to demonstrate a wet exit and self-rescue to qualify to paddle single kayaks. Joann and I both successfully demonstrated the use the paddle float to get back in the boat.

The next morning, July 15 ,we arrived at the outfitters at 7:30 am to assemble the gear for our paddle. Once the gear was organized, we hopped in the van with kayaks in tow and headed to Sand Bay. We did a pretty quick job of packing all our gear for the three-day trip. At 9:30 we were on the water heading out to Sand Island.

On the Northeast corner of the island we paddled through some amazing sea caves. The red sandstone contrasting with the clear turquoise water was mesmerizing.

Once we were around the top of the island we stopped at the lighthouse, landing on some flat rocks. Nahon helped us beach our fully loaded kayaks. Actually, he single-handedly manhandled the boats.

We were treated to a personalized tour of the lighthouse from docent Laurie. With light rain falling and the forecast of a storm moving in, we didn’t dally too long at the lighthouse. We were back on the water shortly after noon, pressing on to get to our campsite for lunch.

On the last leg of our paddle, the sky continued to darken, and the skies exploded with thunder; not just occasional peal of thunder but a continual roar, as if the gods were tearing the skies apart. We were a bit anxious about being on the water with a thunderstorm in the distance. We pressed on and we were on the beach a short time later, landing at 12:30. We unpacked our gear and broke out lunch.

On July 16 we woke to wind, rain and the sound of surf pounding the beach. With small craft warnings up, we decided to explore the island on foot, hiking to the lighthouse and to East Bay. Dinner was pulled pork sandwiches. We ate well on the trip.

On July 17 we woke to sun and calm water. We broke camp, loaded the kayaks and continued our journey around Sand Island and back to the mainland.

Along the northwest side of the Bayfield Penninsua we found more sea caves to explore. We had fun paddling in and out of caves and through tunnels. The cliffs of red sandstone are covered with lush green vegetation and hanging gardens and waterfalls. I was struck by the sound created by the waves lapping into many miniature blow holes: plink, plop, ploink, squish, swish. It would be fun just to capture the sounds and compile them into a composition.

It was about 3:00 pm when we landed on Meyers Beach. There we unpacked and jumped in the van for the ride back to Trek and Trail in Bayfield. Our paddle out to the island and back logged a little over 22 miles. More photos are available in an online gallery. We were happy we had taken our drysuits with us. With the weather and cool temperatures, we stayed quite comfortable. The sign at Meyers Beach noted the water temperature at 41 degrees.

Kayaking Croatia: Drvenik Veliki to Trogir

Our journey today starts in the sleepy little town of Drvenik Veliki on the island of Drvenik Veli. This marks the last day of our five-day kayaking adventure in Croatia. The day begins with breakfast at our villa, Villa LA. Our guide Marko put out a spread of cheese, ham, bread, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice and scrambled eggs. After breakfast we walked down to the harbor and launched off of a boat ramp.

A high tide of 0.49 feet and a low of 0.42 feet means that tides and currents are not an issue. There is little tidal effect here compared to what we are used to in San Francisco. It’s also a pleasure to paddle in swimsuits without the need for dry suits.

The water is flat calm and crystal clear as we launch. We head out of the bay and turn northeast towards the mainland, crossing the channel and keeping an eye out for ferries and pleasure boats. We feel the slight effect of the following seas and light wind, so I alternate between using my best paddling technique and edging and using the rudder to keep the boat on course. I’m not fond of rudders and this boat behaves a bit different from the one I paddle at home, but efficient enough for my needs.

I’m astounded by the color of the water and how it changes from a deep blue to transparent turquoise with the light reflecting off the white limestone and sand bottom. At 11:00 we pull into a small beach on a little island and our guide Marko surprises us by serving up ice cream.

After ice cream and a quick swim, we are back in the boats continuing to the mainland. We stop at a white sand beach just a few kilometers west of Trogir. After lunch we continue to Trogir, paddling up the canal and under three bridges.

As we exit the canal, we join the larger body of water, and we feel wind in our faces. We paddle into the wind, perhaps 10 knots, passing under the highway bridge and landing on a beach just east of the bridge. This ends an amazing five days of paddling the “Hidden Archipelago” of Croatia. I’ll be posting more highlights about this adventure in future posts so stay tuned.

Enchanted Archipelago: Day 1

At 9:00 our guide, Marko, picks us up at Vila Baguc where we’ve been staying in Split. We hop in the van and drive to Trogir to pick up Penny and Phil, a couple from England that are part of our tour. There will be five of us on the Enchanted Archipelago tour. Then we drive to our intended launch point, a beautiful beach at Vinisce. Marko provides the weather prediction which is for wind later in the day. We discuss the options; the plan is to launch from the beach and paddle to Drvenik Mali for a lunch stop.

The clarity of the water and the colors are enchanting. We land on a beach in the harbor at Drvenik Mali. Marko finds a spot to spread out the goods for a picnic lunch.

After lunch there is some concern about the wind. Marko consults with his boss and informs us that we will be taking the ferry for the next leg given the wind. We carry our kayaks up the ramp onto the ferry.

Once the ferry is underway it’s clear we made the right choice. The wind was whipping at about 18 knots with gust to 25. You can see the whitecaps on the water from the deck of the ferry. I kept a log of the day’s activities. The track includes the ferry from Drvenik Mali to Drvenik Viliki.

Even though our paddling was cut short it was a splendid first day of paddling. Once the ferry reached out destination, Marko led us on a short walk to our accommodations at Villa LA. In the evening, we all walked over to a restaurant overlooking the bay for a lovely dinner with a view of the town lit by the setting sun.

Thursday Paddle: Marconi to Tomales Beach

Tomales Bay is one of my favorite places to paddle, so, when one of my paddling buddies announced a paddle on Tomales Bay, I jumped at the opportunity. One of the hurdles to this location is getting across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge during rush hour. Google Maps was predicting a driving time of 1:15 when we left. We were on the road at 8:05 and we arrived at Marconi Beach at 9:50. A slow trip, but needless to say we weren’t the last party to arrive, and we were on the water at 10:40.

There were 10 of us, quite a turnout for a Thursday paddle. The prediction was partly cloudy with light winds and a low tide of -0.12 feet at 10:56. Our plan was to paddle across the bay to the Point Reyes peninsula and to use the ebb current to give us a boost to Tomales Beach. The beach at Marconi is mostly gravel with a few rocks. Those with composite boats need to take care in launching.

The calm water made for some interesting photo opportunities with the reflections on the water.

We landed on Tomales Beach at noon, choosing to land on the eastern end of the beach to avoid the shallow water and mud to the west. After lunch we were back on the water. By now we were getting a slight flooding current, which again gave us an assist in paddling back to our launch site. We were back on the beach shortly after 2:00.

You can see the track of our paddle above. Over the course of the day, we logged just a hair over 8 miles. More photos are available in an online gallery.