What we’re about
With Canoe and Kayak Paddlers strangers are welcomed as friends and friends become like family. We are the only FIVE STAR rated paddling Group in the SF Bay Area. Our group is good for recreational canoe and kayak paddlers. We feature paddling with friendly folks once you know the basics. However, we are not a guide service and do not offer lessons, therefore you must already have basic paddling skills. We charge an annual $15 fee.
Our trips are intended to be friendly and social for people who have paddling experience. Trips vary from easy, appropriate for almost anyone, to trips which require a moderate level of physical fitness and Intermediate boating skill. We seldom do "advanced" level trips. However, all paddlers must expect and be prepared for sudden changes in weather and currents which are common in the SF Bay Area.
Most trips are appropriate for canoes and kayaks. Canoes of 15 to 17 feet are common and touring kayaks not less than 12 feet, our trips do not allow folding boats, inflatable boats or SUP's. Our trips are four to six hours long and between six and twelve miles in length, and include a lunch stop along the shore. We paddle reservoirs, lakes, rivers, SF Bay, creeks, sloughs, and estuaries.
To join us you need basic skills including getting in and out of your boat, paddling in a straight line and being able to steer and control your boat in windy conditions. You should be in normal physical condition, able to paddle at an easy pace for an hour or two at a stretch without a real break. You need to be able to climb unassisted in and out of your boat in a variety of places, including steep banks, high docks, etc., and you must be able to keep pace with other paddlers.
Canoe and Kayak Paddlers is totally non-commercial. We are not a guide service. All activities are simply opportunities for boaters with appropriate skills to paddle together. The trip coordinators are not required to have training in boating or outdoor safety or carry emergency equipment. We are not experts.
All water sports are potentially dangerous. Participants must assess the appropriateness of their own physical condition, skills, and equipment for any activity, and make their own decisions about safety. If you are not sure if your skills and equipment are appropriate for a trip discuss it with the trip coordinator before starting on a trip. We recommend that all paddlers take lessons in boat handling, safety, and rescue. A life jacket must be worn while on the water.
Our goals:
· Share paddling as a safe, enjoyable, and congenial experience
· Introduce members to new places to paddle
· Create opportunities for members to increase their paddling proficiency
· Offer a central communication hub through our website
· Provide social, informational, and recreational gatherings associated with the sport of paddling
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Circumnavigate Angel Islands – Trip Rated: L3 (explained below)Moore Road & Center Road, California, CA
Meet 10 AM, OTW by 10:45
Address: Intersection Moore Rd. and Center Rd., Sausalito 94965
Your 2024 waiver must be on file for you to be moved to the “Going” list.
Meetup message Ken N for wavier information.Sit-in hard sided kayaks only. Minimum boat length 14 feet. Limited to 8 paddlers.
Paddlers need recent experience paddling in open water or on San Francisco Bay. Current forecast is 15 mph wind in the afternoon.
This trip is for experienced paddlers, NO BEGINNERS.Launching at Horseshoe Bay we paddle pass Yellow Bluff turn east to heading north to Angel Island. We will stop for lunch at Quarry Beach (6.2 miles), bathrooms with water available. After lunch we will continue around Angel Island to Point Stewart and head towards the Sewage Treatment plant, then follow the shore line back to Horseshoe Cove. Total distance about 12 miles
We will put in at Boat Ramp next to the Coast Guard Station. You can unload near the ramp, then park in the large parking lot, no charge to launch or park. Port-a-poddies are provided, no running water.
Participants must have:
- Have recent experience paddling and doing rescues in an open water environment.
- Dress for immersion and have a sea kayak with bulkheads or float bags.
- Group safety gear (tow lines, spare paddles, etc.), VHF radio recommended.PLEASE READ THIS: The organizers of this trip are not experts, not professional paddlers and do not necessarily have safety training or carry any safety equipment. Each paddler must have the training, experience and equipment required to complete this paddle safely, and must assume all personal risks.
Rain or strong wind may cancel this trip. Check your email Friday evening for updated information and changes.
This trip is sponsored by MARIN CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB
Trip Rating L3 explained
This trip is good for Intermediate paddlers. Expect waves to 2.5 ft, wind near 20 mph. Steering and forward progress requires good boat-handling skills, edging, balancing and bracing skills. We will stay within 1 mile of a shore line, where currents will be about 3 mph. Distance may be between 10 to 15 miles with a short break(s) for snacks or lunch.Recommended skills are forward, reverse, sweep strokes; bow rudder, draw and bracing strokes. Paddlers can perform deepwater rescue as swimmer or rescuer (in waves to 2.5 ft), maintain a 3.4 mph pace for up to 2 hours, and understand basic chart reading and compass use.
- Alameda, Grand Street ramp to MLK Shoreline Park, rated L1 EASY2098 Grand St, Alameda, CA
Your 2024 Liability Waiver is required to be moved to the “going” list.
Meetup message Ken N for waiver forms.Meetup: 9:15 AM, on the water 10:00 sharp to ride the tide.
Address: Grand Street Boat Launch, 2098 Grand Street · AlamedaThis paddle will launch from Grand Street Boat Ramp (Alameda), take short side trip for a view of SF skyline, then proceed to MLK Park. The lunch stop will be at MLK Regional Shoreline Park near the Oakland Airport. This paddle begins in an urban/industrial area and then opens into the Arrowhead Marsh bird preserve, which is a stopover on the Pacific Flyway and is part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve
Distance is around 8 miles round trip with the lunch break in the middle. This should be an easy paddle suitable for those with good basic skills. Launching and landing will be from docks/boat ramp. Canoes and recreational kayaks are appropriate.
Wind is frequent in this area, check the forecast. If the wind is greater than 15 mph, we will stay in the Estuary and paddle the Alameda shoreline and Coast Guard Island to the High Street Bridge.
Launch and parking are free. Restrooms are available in both areas. There is a picnic area at MLK Park.
Rain or bad weather may cancel this trip. Check your email prior to the paddle, for updated information and changes.
PLEASE READ THIS: The organizers of this trip are not experts, not professional paddlers and do not necessarily have safety training or carry any safety equipment. Each paddler must have the training, experience and equipment required to complete this paddle safely, and must assume all personal risks. A Coast Guard approved life jacket or Personal Flotation Device must be worn by everyone while on the water.
This trip is sponsored by MARIN CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB
Trip Rating L1 explained
These trips are for everyone, even experienced senior paddlers who prefer flat water with light breeze within swimming distance to shore, no current and waves less than 4 inches. Total distance 5 to 7 miles with a short break for snacks or lunch. Paddlers should be able to enter and exit their boat unassisted from shore or boat dock and have a Forward and Reverse stroke.Trips are in calm, protected areas, such as lakes, lazy rivers, sloughs, or paddling near the beach. If the wind begins to blow, you plan to head for shore. You do not wish to do deepwater rescues, so your safety depends on staying within easy swimming distance of easily accessible shorelines.
