What we’re about
With Canoe and Kayak Paddlers strangers are welcomed as friends and friends become like family. We are the only FIVE STAR rated paddling Group in the SF Bay Area. Our group is good for recreational canoe and kayak paddlers. We feature paddling with friendly folks once you know the basics. We are not a guide service therefore you must already have basic paddling skills.
Our trips are intended to be friendly and social for people who have paddling experience. Trips vary from easy, appropriate for almost anyone, to trips which require a moderate level of physical fitness and Intermediate boating skill. We seldom do "advanced" level trips. However, all paddlers must expect and be prepared for sudden changes in weather and currents which are common in the SF Bay Area.
Most trips are appropriate for canoes and kayaks. Canoes of 15 to 17 feet are common and touring kayaks not less than 12 feet, our trips do not allow folding boats, inflatable boats or SUP's. Our trips are four to six hours long and between six and twelve miles in length, and include a lunch stop along the shore. We paddle reservoirs, lakes, rivers, SF Bay, creeks, sloughs, and estuaries.
To join us you need basic skills including getting in and out of your boat, paddling in a straight line and being able to steer and control your boat in windy conditions. You should be in normal physical condition, able to paddle at an easy pace for an hour or two at a stretch without a real break. You need to be able to climb unassisted in and out of your boat in a variety of places, including steep banks, high docks, etc., and you must be able to keep pace with other paddlers.
Canoe and Kayak Paddlers is totally non-commercial. We are not a guide service. All activities are simply opportunities for boaters with appropriate skills to paddle together. The trip coordinators are not required to have training in boating or outdoor safety or carry emergency equipment. We are not experts.
All water sports are potentially dangerous. Participants must assess the appropriateness of their own physical condition, skills, and equipment for any activity, and make their own decisions about safety. If you are not sure if your skills and equipment are appropriate for a trip discuss it with the trip coordinator before starting on a trip. We recommend that all paddlers take lessons in boat handling, safety, and rescue. A life jacket must be worn while on the water.
Our goals:
· Share paddling as a safe, enjoyable, and congenial experience
· Introduce members to new places to paddle
· Create opportunities for members to increase their paddling proficiency
· Offer a central communication hub through our website
· Provide social, informational, and recreational gatherings associated with the sport of paddling
Upcoming events
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Estero de Americano – Rated: L2 Easy IF light wind
Valley Ford Franklin School Road & Marsh Road, California, CA, USTo join C&KP Meetup trips after December 1, 2025, there is no fee, however please ensure that you’ve signed the Western Sea Kayakers annual liability release that’s available online at https://form.jotform.com/JLAagency/western-sea-kayakers-waiver
If the wind is less than 10 mph, THIS PADDLE SHOULD BE ON EVERYONES MUST DO LIST !
Meet 9:00 am, on the water by 9:30 am.
Cross Roads: Valley Ford Franklin School Rd. and Marsh Rd. 94972
Valley Ford, CA
No inflatables, Oru’s or SUP’s. Minimum boat length 12 feet.
Estero Americano may be the most beautiful paddle in the Bay Area; winding through wild, open ranch land to a gorgeous beach on the Ocean that is not accessible by car. The paddle is 12 miles round trip - longer than usual. We will move at a steady pace and we need to keep everyone together. There are no places to get out of the boat before the beach. Consider your speed and stamina. The put-in is right beside the bridge.
No facilities and few bushes. Put-in can be steep and muddy, the launch site is totally unimproved - no beach, dock, toilets, etc. - it can be awkward getting in and out of a boat - not recommended for those with mobility issues. Bring normal safety equipment.
Directions: From town on Valley Ford, take Valley Ford Road/Franklin School Road, south for 1 mile to bridge. Just past the bridge turn left onto Marsh Road, then immediately turns left onto dirt track parallel to bridge.
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 the night before for information and updates regarding this trip.
This trip is sponsored by Western Sea Kayakers
Trips 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 deep water 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 deep water rescue with assistance8 attendees
9th Annual High Sierra Trip – June 22 to 30
Sunset Union Campground, Fashoda Way and Ice House Rd. 95726, Riverton, CA, USFind us at campsite # 100 at Sunset-Union Valley Campground at Union Valley Reservoir
Nearest address: intersection Fashoda Way and Ice House Rd. 95726
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
No inflatable boats, folding boats or SUP’s. Minimum boat length 12 feet.
Join the fun on our annual High Sierra trip. Our base camp this year is again at Sunset-Union Valley Campground, located just 17 miles off Hwy 50 in the Sierra Nevada, elevation about 4900'. There are 5 lakes within a 15 mile radius with over 40 miles of shoreline to explore.
Website: Information and Campground Maps:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd917865.pdf
I recommend you copy the map on this website as we will paddle 4 lakes in this area.
Camping: This campground fills up during the summer. Reservations can be made 6 months from YOUR arrival date https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232083, or call (877-444-6777) to make reservations.
There are single sites, $28/night ($14 with senior pass) that can hold 2 vehicles and up to 6 people, You are responsible for your own reservations, meals and camping equipment. Additional camping available at nearby Fashoda Campground, on a first come first serve basis. When you have a reservation, let me know the site number and dates you will paddle. You will need wheels so I recommend bringing them.
Facilities: The Sunset campground has 131 sites, and many can accommodate large RV's, NO electrical hookups. Each site has picnic table, fire grill and drinking water nearby. Vault toilets are the norm. Coin-operated showers are available. Firewood can be purchased from the camp host, about $10 per bundle. Nearby Icehouse Resort (6 miles) offers a few cabins, restaurant, gas, and limited groceries. The Fashoda Campground has 30 sites for tents only and is next to Sunset Campground. Nearby Icehouse Campground has 82 camp sites.
Toilets are available at the launch areas. Pack a lunch; we will stop along the shore to eat.
Tentative Paddling Schedule:
June 22 travel day, no paddle scheduled
June 23 to 29 To be determined
June 30 travel day, no paddle scheduled
Meet at 9:30 AM at the designated launch site. We launch OTW at 10:00 AM, trip length will be between 4 to 5 hours.
Directions: Take highway 50 east from Sacramento, through Placerville, and through Pollock Pines. Continue east on Hwy 50, for 8.3 miles to the Crystal Basin Recreation Area sign. Turn left onto Icehouse Road and go 14 miles to Fashoda Way. Turn left drive to the campground/boat ramp.
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, no exceptions !
This trip is sponsored by Western Sea Kayakers
Boat Ramp Etiquette
- DO use the staging area to prepare your boat and equipment.
- DO respect the traffic lines.
- DO bring a friend to help.
- DO bring wheels to transport boat and equipment to the ramp
- DO unload and load equipment in the prep area, not on the launch ramp.
- NO NOT approach the ramp unprepared; wait until it is your turn.
- DO NOT prep your boat or unload equipment in the ramp lane.
- DO NOT socialize while on the ramp.
- If you spend more than 5 minutes on the ramp you are hoggin’ the ramp.
7 attendees
Silver Lake EAST Campground – June 30 to July 7
Silver Lake East- Eldorado, Carson Pass Hwy, California, CA, USFind us: hoping to get site #34
Address at the Resort near the campground: 32161 Kit Carson Rd., Kit Carson, CA 95644
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
No inflatable boats, folding boats or SUP’s. Minimum boat length 12 ft.
Linda and I hope you can join us for another High Sierra get-away week at beautiful Silver Lake EAST campground near Kit Carson Lodge. The campground with 41 sites is situated at the base of Thunder Mountain at an elevation of 7,200 feet, on the north-EAST end of beautiful Silver Lake. Silver Lake covers 200 acres in a large granite basin surrounded by a forest of mixed conifers. The lake's mirror-like waters are known to reflect the colors of the sky above, attracting paddlers, hikers, and photographers to its scenic shores.
Website: Information and campground map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/eldorado/recarea/?recid=78522
Facilities: Vault toilets, drinking water, campfire rings and picnic tables are provided. Single units are limited to a maximum of 2 vehicles and 6 people. A pay phone, restaurant, boat rentals and boat ramp are located at a nearby lodge.
Each family is responsible for their own reservations, equipment, and meals. We will gather around the campfire each evening after dinner to share stories. Bring your own chair and beverage. I plan to hike and/or paddle every day. Lunch will often be on the trail or beach.
Reservations: can be made 6 months from YOUR ARRIVE DATE at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232263
Or by phone: 877-444-6777. The campground fills up in the summer.
You can hike or paddle Silver Lake (free), nearby Caples lake ($10) throughout the week.
Recreation: Hiking is very popular, allowing access to high alpine lakes and other destinations through short but spectacular hikes. Anglers will be happy to know that Silver Lake boasts stocked populations of Rainbow, German Brown, and Mackinaw trout. Kit Carson Lodge has a wonderful restaurant, café, and small store.
Location, Directions: Silver Lake East campground is located on highway 88, 50 miles east of Jackson, California. From the town of Pioneer, continue State Route 88 east 36.6 miles to campground on right (East side).
Tentative Paddling/Hiking Schedule
6/30 Travel day, no paddle scheduled
7/1 to 7/6 : Hike or Paddle to be determined
7/7 Travel day, no paddle scheduled
Nearby Campgrounds: Silver Lake WEST Campground, Ferguson Campground, and Caples Lake Campground. Silver Lake WEST campground, on the West side of Hwy 88, is managed by the local irrigation district, (does not accept Senior Passes) does not take reservations and many of the sites are short and less than level.
IMPORTANT TIME SAVER - You can self-inspect your boats by taking a 20 minute course and quiz at home. Your boat must display an inspection sticker. Tahoe Boat self-inspection course is free and they send you stickers for your boat(2).
https://tahoeboatinspections.com/tahoe-keepers/about-tahoe-keepers/
https://tahoeboatinspections.com/tahoe-keepers/tahoe-keepers-quiz/
To keep invasive mussels out of the water, a boat inspection is required! BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THERE IS NO WATER ANYWHERE ON/IN YOUR BOAT, PADDLES, LIFE JACKETS, HATCH COVERS, ETC. If the inspectors find any water on your equipment, you may be denied entry to the lake for that day.
This trip is sponsored by Western Sea Kayakers Club9 attendees
Past events
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