Paddle the vibrant Oakland Estuary at your own pace with California Canoe & Kayak. Choose from kayaks and paddleboards and experience urban watercraft adventure right from Jack London Square.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have general mobility and comfort with light physical activity; paddling engages upper body and balance.
Wildlife
History
Jack London Square is named after the famed author who grew up nearby; the area evolved from a historic shipping hub into a lively mixed-use waterfront.
Conservation
California Canoe & Kayak promotes low-impact recreation and encourages renters to respect wildlife habitats and maintain the waterway’s cleanliness.
California Canoe & Kayak
Paddle the vibrant Oakland Estuary at your own pace with California Canoe & Kayak. Choose from kayaks and paddleboards and experience urban watercraft adventure right from Jack London Square.
California Canoe & Kayak is a Richmond, California–based paddling outfitter offering guided tours, skills courses, rescue clinics, and equipment rentals across Richmond and Oakland launch sites. The company operates classes and sessions at Richmond Plunge (a heated pool) and Jack London Square on the Oakland Estuary, providing a range of learning and self-guided experiences for beginners through advanced paddlers.
Programs include beginner Kayak Basics, sit‑on‑top skills and rescue courses, sea kayaking progression (Sea Kayaking II), rolling and warm water rescue classes, and advanced clinics focused on towing and assisted rescue techniques. Rentals are available for three‑hour and full‑day use from Jack London Square, with kayaks and standup paddle boards suited to urban estuary exploration.
Instruction emphasizes hands‑on skill development with small group sizes and personalized feedback; one warm water rescue session is limited to two participants for intensive attention. Several courses allow participants to bring their own kayaks or use provided gear. Guided group trips and private outings are offered for teams and friends seeking a structured paddling experience.
Safety and practical technique training — including assisted rescues, self‑rescues, towing, navigation, and boat control — are central to the curriculum. The outfitter’s mix of pool‑based practice and on‑water sessions supports confident paddling in varied conditions. Clear scheduling, defined locations, and a variety of course levels make California Canoe & Kayak a reliable choice for paddlers looking to learn, rent, or advance their sea kayak skills.
Scheduling and online reservations simplify planning for individuals and groups. Equipment fitting and briefings included.
Locations
Richmond & Oakland
Launch sites at Jack London Square and Richmond Plunge
Tours Offered
11
Range of tours, clinics, and rentals
Small Class Sizes
Intimate sessions
Personalized instruction and focused feedback
Rentals
3-hr & Full-day
Kayaks and standup paddle boards
Book guided tours at Jack London Square, Richmond Plunge pool sessions, or self-guided rentals on the Oakland Estuary.
Arrive Early for Check-in
Be at least 15 minutes before your scheduled rental to complete paperwork and gear up without rush.
Prepare for Getting Wet
Wear synthetic, quick-dry clothing and bring a towel and change of clothes—water splashes are inevitable.
Use Water Shoes
Footwear that dries quickly and grips well enhances comfort and safety when launching or docking your craft.
Respect Rental Boundaries
Stay within the designated paddling areas on the Oakland Estuary to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Quick-dry synthetic clothing
Keeps you warm and comfortable and dries quickly after splashes.
Water shoes
Provides grip and foot protection on slippery docks and water landings.
Paddling jacket or windbreaker
Protects from wind and spray, especially during cooler or breezy conditions.
fall|winter|spring
Sunscreen and hat
Important for sun protection even on cloudy days while on open water.
summer|spring