Encinal Boat Ramp to Yerba Buena Island.  Rated L3 Difficult (explained below)

Your 2024 Waiver is required to get on the "GOING" list. Meetup message Ken N for waiver info.

Meet 9:30 am, on the water by 10:15 am, finish by 3:30 pm

Nearest street address: 190 Central Ave., Alameda, CA. 94501

No inflatables, folding boats or SUP's. Minimum boat length 13 feet in SF Bay.

We will launch next to the Encinal Boat Ramp, paddle within the break-wall near the USS Carrier Hornet, then north into SF Bay heading to Yerba Buena Island. Once on the island, we will stop for lunch at Clipper Cove beach. After lunch we will return to Encinal and spend some time paddling around the USS Hornet.

This trip is rated DIFFICULT, suitable for kayakers with open SF Bay experience, and boats prepared for open water rescues. Total distance about 12 miles. On this route is about 4 miles each way of open SF Bay paddling.

Launching and our lunch stop will be at the beach. Restrooms are available at both locations. Pack lunch and water. If you have wheels, bring them. Adjustments may be made to the route, based on current conditions and experience of the paddlers.

Directions: Next to the Alameda Community Sailing Club. Check Google maps and follow the road to the end near the boat ramp. The boat ramp can be difficult to find, so review Google Maps for destination and directions.

Additional Parking at: W. Hornet Ave. and Skyhawk St, 94501. Walk through the park to get to the beach and boat ramp. From Central Ave, turn north Oriskany then west on Skyhawk St.
Bring wheels.

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 strong winds will cancel. Be sure to check your email for updates and information regarding this trip.

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 1.5 miles of a shore line, where currents may be about 3 mph. Total distance 12 to 18 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.