Redwood City Harbor to Wilson Island – Rated: Easy L1 (explained below)
Details
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
Meet at 9:15am, on the water by 9:45 AM. Finish 2:30 PM
Address: 601 Chesapeake Dr., Redwood City.
No inflatables, Oru’s, or SUP’s, minimum boat length 12 feet.
I counted 23 baby seals and hundreds of ducks here on April 17, 2026!
This is an EASY BEGINNER urban paddle out Redwood Creek then into Corkscrew Slough to the Promised land thru the NW passage to Wilson Island, for a lunch break then return to launch area. After lunch depending on conditions we will return via Secret Passage. Total distance about 7.6 miles. This paddle is suitable for all hard-sided boats and skill levels. There are two docks and a boat ramp, plus a low-freeboard dock. There is an $8 charge to launch. You can drop your boat and then go across the street to park. Wheels are unnecessary but come in handy.
The estuary is not all flat water and salt marshes, there's valuable seat time and skills development to be had - paying attention to tides, wind waves, tidal currents, route planning, staying together as a pod, etc. Not as epic or challenging as the open bay, but still good practice, getting to know your equipment, and build confidence- E. Larkin
Bathrooms, water available at the put-in, parking fee $8.
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.
Parking Issues: You can park for free in the parking lot across the street from the boat ramp, provided you park in the perimeter spaces. The longer spaces in the middle of the lot are needed for vehicles with trailers. If you park a single car in a vehicle/trailer space you may be ticketed.
This trip is sponsored by Western Sea Kayakers 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.