Estero de Americano – Rated: L2 Easy IF light wind

To 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 assistance