Tidewater Aquatic Ctr to Crown Beach, Rated L2 (explained below)

To paddle with Canoe and Kayak Paddlers you must be a member of Western Sea Kayakers Club and have signed the annual waiver:
Join club: https://www.westernseakayakers.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=391318
Waiver: https://form.jotform.com/JLAagency/western-sea-kayakers-waiver

Meetup 9 am, on the water 9:30 am
Nearest address: 4675 Tidewater Avenue, Oakland CA 94601

No inflatables, folding boats or SUP's. Minimum boat length 12 feet.

The trip will be from Tidewater Aquatic Center in Oakland, into SF Bay with lunch stop at Robert Crown State Beach then return to Tidewater Center. The trip offers exceptional views of the San Francisco skyline as well as the SF Bay. Distance is about 9 miles round trip with a lunch break at Crown Beach. Expect light wind in the afternoon.

Launching will be from a dock, the lunch stop will be a beach landing. Restrooms are available at both locations. If you have wheels, bring them, as the dock is a short distance from the parking lot. Touring kayaks are appropriate.

DIRECTIONS: From I-880 or I-580. Exit on High Street and head south. Before the High Street Bridge to Alameda, take the last possible left onto Tidewater Avenue (alongside the restaurant supply store). Just before the first stop sign, turn right into the EBRPD Tidewater Boating Center driveway.

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 bad weather 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 L2 explained
This trip is good for Experienced Beginners with light chop on the water and wind less than 10 mph. The trip may challenge the forward progress and directional control of novice paddlers. We will stay within ½ mile of a shore line, where currents will be less than 1.5 mph and waves less than 8 inches. Total distance 7 to 10 miles with a short break for snacks or lunch.

Recommended skills are Forward and Reverse strokes, sweep, draw and bracing strokes are helpful. Paddlers should be able to perform deepwater rescue as both swimmer or rescuer in calm water, maintain a 2.7 mph pace for up to 1 hour, and have basic piloting skills.

Level 2 Paddlers plan to stay in mostly calm conditions but have the skills and knowledge to venture beyond swimming distance from shore and may tour along a shoreline with many easy landing options. You can enter and exit your boat without assistance. You can manage a little wind and choppy water, but plan to head to shore for protection if the wind is greater than 12 mph. You can perform deepwater rescue with assistance