Where do I meet for check-in?

Check-in is at 1100 Pierce Point Road, in Inverness, CA 94937 where staff demonstrate loading and gear use.

How long can I rent a board?

There are options from 1 to 8 hours so you can choose a short outing or a full day on Tomales Bay.

Can I paddle to the ocean or Drakes Estero?

No—rentals are restricted to Tomales Bay for safety. Operators explicitly prohibit trips to the ocean or Drakes Estero.

Are wetsuits available?

Yes, wetsuits are available by request with at least 24 hours’ notice—call 415-669-2600 to arrange one.

Is there an age minimum?

Minimum age is 13; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Do you provide roof-rack equipment?

Staff provide straps and pads for vehicles without roof racks and will walk you through how to load the board.

Load and Go Stand Up Paddleboard: Explore Tomales Bay from Inverness

At Tomales Bay’s calm, oyster-rich waters just north of Point Reyes, the Load and go stand up paddleboard option turns a vehicle into a launchpad for daylong exploration. Meet at 1100 Pierce Point Road, in Inverness, CA 94937 and the crew shows you how to strap a board to your car, then walk you through basic safety and loading so you can set out on your own. With rental windows from one to eight hours, this is built for people who want independence on the water without the hassle of permanent roof racks or complicated logistics.

The bay’s long tidal channels, sandstone cliffs and sheltered coves reward patient paddlers: scan eelgrass flats for foraging shorebirds, spot harbor seals hauled on low ledges, and glide by undisturbed mudflats that feed migrating birds. Launch choices such as Miller Boat Launch, White House Pool and Chicken Ranch Beach open different experiences—big, reflective dawn crossings, shaded paddles close to shore, or short family-friendly loops toward the western shore and its pocket beaches.

This service is geared to experienced explorers and confident beginners who can manage basic strokes and self-rescue; staff provide straps, pads, and all other necessary gear plus a clear walkthrough at the headquarters so loading is simple. Need a wetsuit? Request one at least 24 hours ahead by calling 415-669-2600. Note that rentals are restricted: OUR RENTALS ARE ONLY FOR TOMALES BAY. WE DO NOT ALLOW OUR RENTALS TO GO TO THE OCEAN OR DRAKES ESTERO FOR SAFETY REASONS.

Practical tips matter here: watch tide charts and wind forecasts before you go, start early for glassy mornings, and pack layers—conditions shift fast on exposed water. If you plan an overnight, Marshall and Tomales Beaches are reachable by boat and offer designated campsites with basic facilities, but follow leave-no-trace rules and check permits before landing.

Why this operator stands out is simple: they remove the awkward gear steps so you can focus on route planning and wildlife. The company’s local knowledge helps renters pick the right launch and timing for birding, seal viewing, or a brisk fitness paddle. For visitors staying in nearby Point Reyes Station or Inverness, this is the clearest way to turn a car into a capable watercraft and spend a day exploring Tomales Bay on your own terms.

Rentals include straps and pads for vehicles without roof racks and a hands-on loading session at headquarters; take time to practice getting on and off your board in shallow water before heading out. The company recommends ages 13 and up, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Because weather can turn, bring a full water bottle and snacks, and tell someone your planned route and return time before you launch.