Black Point to The Cabins- Petaluma Marsh, 16 miles. Trip rated: L2 +

Your 2025 Liability Waiver required to get on the “going” list. Meetup message Ken N for waiver information.

Meetup: 9:00 am, on the water 9:30 AM sharp to catch the tide.

Nearest address: 165 Harbor Dr., Novato 94945

No inflatables, folding boats or SUP’s. Minimum boat length 13 feet.

Limited to 12 paddlers.
We will launch from Black Point boat ramp, and paddle NW into the marsh to find very old, deserted cabins. This paddle will be done with a high tide of 8 feet, which is perfect for going into the cabins. Due to a strong outgoing tide and pod safety so if you join the trip, you agree to stay together.

We will stop for lunch near the cabins, but pack snacks where you can reach them while in your boat. There are few places to stop along the way, so plan to be in your boat about 2 1/2 hours each way. This paddle is 16 miles long, may have fierce winds and waves on the return to the dock, so consider your stamina and ability to complete the paddle as planned. Turning around by yourself is NOT an option. It is a maze and you do not want to get lost in the marsh.

Must dress for immersion, chilly water and air temperature. Free parking and bathroom at Black Point. No facilities at the cabins. Wheels are handy but you can unload at the ramp and then park your vehicle.

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.

Rain or fierce winds may cancel. Check your email on Friday for updates and information regarding this trip.

This trip is sponsored by MARIN CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB

Trip Rating L2+ explained
This trip is good for Advanced Beginners, on water with waves to 1 1/2 ft, wind near 15 mph. Steering and forward progress requires good boat-handling skills, balancing and bracing skills. We will stay within 3/4 miles of a shore line, where currents will be about 2.3 mph. Total distance 8 to 12 miles (so consider your stamina) with a short break for snacks or lunch. Recommended skills are sweep, forward, reverse, draw, and bracing strokes. Paddlers can perform deepwater rescue as swimmer or rescuer (in waves to 1 ½ ft), maintain a 3 mph pace for up to 1 1/2 hours, and understand basic trip planning.

Level L2+ paddlers plan longer journeys and paddling up to 3/4 miles from shore or the nearest landing beach. You are comfortable padding in windy conditions with choppy water and pushing the boundary towards L3.

Interesting newspaper article about the cabins:
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/decades-after-remote-cluster-of-cabins-was-built-effort-is-afoot-to-restor/