What is the minimum age to participate?

Minimum age is 13; participants under 18 must attend with an accompanying adult.

Do I need previous experience?

Yes — prerequisite of Skills Class II or equivalent is required to ensure safety in the surf zone.

Is equipment provided?

Yes — closed-deck single sea kayaks, spray skirts, spray jackets and PFDs are included, plus a small dry bag.

Will I get cold or wet?

Expect to get wet during drills and possible capsizes; dress in quick-dry layers and bring a change of clothes.

Can I rent a wetsuit?

Yes — a limited supply of wetsuits is available on request; indicate your need in advance to reserve one.

What happens in rough weather or big swell?

Instructors tailor the session to safety; large swell or unsafe conditions may prompt adjustments or rescheduling.

Skills Class IV Surf Zone & Intro to Surf Kayaking on Tomales Bay

At 23240 CA-1 in Marshall, California, the surf zone off Tomales Bay sharpens skills fast. Skills Class IV: Surf Zone & Intro to Surf Kayaking is a focused, six-hour progression for paddlers ready to move from protected-water drills into breaking waves, coastal navigation and towing techniques. Operating from the eastern shore of Tomales Bay near the Point Reyes peninsula, this course uses closed-deck single sea kayaks, spray skirts and instructor-led drills to teach entry and exit strategies, dynamic bracing, assisted rescues, and short-tow procedures you’ll use in real surf. Tomales Bay is a narrow tidal inlet carved along the San Andreas fault; the long bay, exposed headlands and variable wind create surf and current patterns that test timing and decision-making. Expect kelp beds, sandstone bluffs, eelgrass meadows and abundant shorebirds; harbor seals and river otters are common sights. The training emphasizes reading swell and current in this setting—skills that translate to other coastal zones along California. The class requires a prerequisite of Skills Class II or equivalent and welcomes paddlers aged 13 and up (minors must attend with an adult). Instruction combines on-land briefings at the meeting point with in-water coaching: wet exits, re-entries, towing with a rescue tow system, and controlled surf launches and landings. Equipment provided includes closed-deck sea kayaks, spray skirts, jackets and PFDs, plus a small dry bag; bring your own water bottle, snacks, a change of clothes and sun protection. Wetsuits are available by request. What makes this offering stand out is the setting and methodical progression. Rather than surfing classed waves at random, the course scaffolds skills inside the bay’s variable conditions, so you learn to manage wave sets, wind chop and tidal flow with humane instruction and repeated, coached practice. For paddlers who want to advance beyond flatwater touring, this is the practical bridge from classroom drills to confident surf entries. Logistics are simple: arrive 15–20 minutes early to the meeting point on CA-1 for gear fitting and a safety briefing. The pace is demanding but supportive; expect to get wet and to fatigue from repeated re-entries and towing drills. Leave planning time for a post-class debrief and maybe a walk along the bay to watch seals haul out as the light softens. For coastal paddlers aiming to expand their skill set in a controlled, real-world surf zone, this course is a direct, efficient next step. Bring a thermos for colder mornings, a sturdy hat with strap, and a waterproof phone case if you want photos; instructors emphasize conservative decision-making and controlled progressions so paddlers leave safer and more self-reliant. Reserve spots ahead of weekends and check tides—the schedule targets lower-traffic windows to maximize drill opportunities. Bring patience; skill progression rewards persistence. Always.