Encinal Beach, Navy Fleet and Crown Beach- trip rated L1, EASY 7.5 MILES

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 9:00 am, on the water by 9:30 am.

Nearest street address: 190 Central Ave., Alameda, CA. 94501 (Next to the Alameda Community Sailing Club).

No inflatables, folding boats or SUP's. Minimum boat length 12 feet in SF Bay. Limited to 20 paddlers.

Photo credit:Jennifer Wilkins!

This trip should be on everyone's bucket list, as a place to paddle often.
Great views of the SF skyline, historic Navy ships, great beach, mostly easy.

We will launch from the beach next to the Encinal Boat Ramp, paddle within the break-wall near the USS Carrier Hornet. After visiting the Navy fleet we will paddle south around Bellena Island to Robert Crown State Beach, for lunch, then return to the Encinal Boat Ramp through the harbor. This trip is rated EASY, suitable for kayaks and canoes. The trip offers exceptional views of the San Francisco skyline as well as the SF Bay. Total distance is about 7.5 miles round trip.

Launching and our lunch stop will be at the beach. Restrooms are available at both locations. Pack lunch, stool and water. Our takeout will be at the boat ramp. 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 thru 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 bad weather may cancel this trip. Check your email Friday evening for updated information and changes.

This trip is sponsored by Western 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 deepwater rescues, so your safety depends on staying within easy swimming distance of easily accessible shorelines.