L4: Tidal Currents & Rough Water

Learn to ride the tide! Dealing with the tidal current is fun, and essential if you want to paddle in places like San Francisco Bay. Launching from Horseshoe Cove, beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, we'll cross to Angel Island on the flood tide and return via the tide races at Raccoon Straits and Yellow Bluff. This class is a great way to improve your rough water skills and rescues! This class is timed to work with an ebbing tide. You will learn such maneuvers as entering and exiting the eddy, ferrying across the current, bracing and handling waves in a tide rip and surfing waves in the tide rip (optional).

Note: Due to the nature of annual tidal cycles, this class is only offered during fall and winter months.

Check out photos from the previous class here.

L4: Tidal Currents & Rough Water Conditions:

Open water and at least one set of conditions within the following ranges, with constant access to safe landing and within 2 nm (2.3 mi.) from shore:

• 10-15 knot winds
• 3-4 foot waves (chop) (0.6 – 1.2 meters)
• 3-4 knots of current
• A combination of the 3 conditions may exist, this is not always the case in the Bay. Note: Due to the nature of annual tidal cycles, this class is only offered when flow conditional is favorable

Enrollment Note:

• Minimum Enrollment: 2; Private class can be arrange if min. enrollment not met (additional fee applied)
• Own Boat & Gear discount available. Your kayak must be suitable for the dynamic water conditions of the Bay. If you are uncertain of the suitability of your boar/gear for this class please contact classes@calkayak.com**
• NEED A KAYAK? Pick up one of our rental at NO cost. All rental agreements applied. LIMITED AVAILABILITY.

Duration of the Class:

• Approximately 4-6 hours

Location:

• TBA

Prerequisite:

• Sea Kayaking II (or equivalent experience); you must have practiced wet-exit and rescue procedures, recent paddling STRONGLY recommended.
• The minimum age for this program is 16 years; minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Good boat control and the ability to paddle 8-10 miles over the course of a day.