- 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.
- Petaluma, Lakeville Marina to the Cabins – Rated: L1 EASYLakeville Landing Marina, Petaluma, CA
Your 2024 Liability Waiver must be on file for you to be moved to the “going" list. Meetup message Ken N and I will send you the waiver form.
Address: 5684 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma, CA 94954 (see directions below)
Meetup: 10:00 am, On the water 10:30 am, sharp to ride the tide.
Limited to 16 paddles.
No inflatables, folding boats or SUP’s. Minimum boat then 12 feet.
We will paddle through the marsh about 4.5 miles to survey the cabins which are over 100 years old. This is a fun, easy paddle with time to enjoy the scenery. Bring lunch, water and the usual safety equipment.
The cabins are accessible only by boat and offer a glimpse of a little-known community that started a century ago when people built weekend retreats for hunting, fishing or relaxing. Hunters and fishermen of the 1940s and '50s gave way to the alternative lifestyles of the 1960s and '70s. Most of the houses are being swallowed into the brackish mud, victims of age and weather, leaving what some describe as a ghost town.
Directions: On Lakeville Rd. about 7.5 miles north of highway 37, or about 5 miles south of highway 101 in Petaluma. Look for Papa's Taverna signs. Ramp is directly behind Papa's. A small fee is charged for launching boats.
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 may cancel. Check your email on Friday for updates and information regarding this trip.
This trip is sponsored by MARIN CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB
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/ - Black Point to The Cabins- Petaluma Marsh, 16 miles. Trip rated: L2 +Black Point, Novato , CA
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/
