Richmond Marina and around Brooks Island Reserve – Rated: L2, windy

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 9:15 am, on the water 10 am

Address: Richmond Marina Boat Ramp $15 paid parking: 1340 Marina Way S, Richmond, 94804 or Free parking available next to the Marina at John Henry High School 1402 Marina Way S, Richmond, 94804

Note: This trip limited to 8 paddlers

NO inflatables, folding boats or SUP’s. Minimum boats length 12 ft.

Paddlers need recent experience paddling in open water on San Francisco Bay. I will check the wind forecast as the time gets nearer to make sure that everyone has the skills and comfort level for conditions expected. Paddlers should be comfortable sitting in their boats for up to 2 hours. This trip is good for advanced beginner paddlers.

This is an interesting paddle off-the-usual sites that few have seen from the water. A significant portion of this trip will be in the Bay. We will put in at Richmond Marina low dock. Bring wheels you will need them. Bathrooms and water available.

We will paddle around Brooks Island Reserve and Bird Island. After rounding Brooks Island with a lunch stop at Ferry point, we will paddle back to our launch spot. Total distance is almost 10 miles. Due to the long distance, likely wind, and bay waves exposure this trip is limited to 8 paddlers. Dress for immersion, bring your safety equipment.

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. Everyone must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket or Personal Flotation Device while on the water.
Rain or bad weather will cancel this trip. Check your email on Friday evening for updated information and changes.

This trip is sponsored by Western Sea Kayakers

Trip Rating L2 explained
An L2 trips is good for Experienced Beginners with light chop on the water and wind less than 12 mph. An L2 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 prefer 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