Petaluma River waterfront paddle, Jan. 31 - Rated: Easy L1 (explained below)

Petaluma Waterfront Paddle – Rated: Easy L1 (explained below)

To participate on this event you must be a member of Western Sea Kayakers Club and have signed the annual liability release that’s available online at https://form.jotform.com/JLAagency/western-sea-kayakers-waiver

Meetup: Petaluma Marina 781 Baywood Dr., Petaluma, CA
Limited number of paddlers: 24

No inflatables, folding boats or SUP’s. Minimum boat length 10 ft.

The Petaluma waterfront paddle is an EASY BEGINNER urban trip of about 7.3 miles total. We will meet at the Petaluma Marina (off Lakeville Rd.) at 10:00AM, on the water by 10:30AM. The launch time is firm if we are to catch the rising tide going north and then a strong ebbing tide returning. We will paddle north as far as we can then turn around. We will paddle past the downtown of Petaluma in both directions. This trip is suitable for all hard-sided boats 10 ft and longer.

Parking and launch is free. There are restrooms at the launch.
On our return we can drive the 1.5 miles back to the East Washington Street Bridge and have lunch at Brewster’s Brewery (229 Water St., off Washington St. 94952) which has a beer list as long as your arm, great food and good vibes.

Directions: Just off Highway 101 on south side of Petaluma, where Highway 116 joins 101. From 101, exit onto 116/Lakeville Rd toward Sonoma. Turn right into Baywood Dr, and right immediately into the parking lot. Restrooms.

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 this trip. Check your email Friday evening for updated information and changes.

This trip is sponsored by Wester Sea Kayakers Club

Trip Rating L1 explained
This trip is good for Beginners or experienced senior paddlers wanting 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. All types of boats are welcome, paddlers should be able to maintain a 2 mph pace for up to 1/2 hour.

Level 1 Paddlers plan to paddle only in calm, protected area, such as lakes, lazy rivers, sloughs, paddling near the beach and not actually go anywhere or “touring.” If the wind begins to blow, you plan to head for shore. You do not wish to do deep water rescues, so your safety depends on staying within easy swimming distance of easily accessible shorelines.