Learn vital sea kayaking skills in a supportive women-only course on San Francisco Bay. Master paddling techniques, rescues, and water safety with expert instructors at California Canoe & Kayak.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–7 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition to manage paddling and practiced rescues.
Wildlife
History
San Francisco Bay has long been central to indigenous peoples and later maritime trade, shaping California's coastal culture.
Conservation
California Canoe & Kayak promotes low-impact paddling practices to protect the bay’s delicate marine ecosystems.
California Canoe & Kayak
Learn vital sea kayaking skills in a supportive women-only course on San Francisco Bay. Master paddling techniques, rescues, and water safety with expert instructors at California Canoe & Kayak.
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 Gear Fitting
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the class to ensure a proper fit for wetsuits and safety gear.
Prepare to Get Wet
Wear quick-drying layers and bring a change of clothes since wet exits and rescues are a core part of the course.
Stay Hydrated
Bring at least 2 liters of water in a secure dry bag to stay hydrated during the multi-hour session.
Footwear Matters
Choose closed-toed, flexible water shoes that protect your feet on various surfaces; avoid flip-flops.
Spray Skirt
Keeps water out of the cockpit during paddling and wet exit drills.
Paddle Float
Vital for practicing self-rescue techniques essential to sea kayaking safety.
Wetsuit
Protects from cold water temperatures throughout most of the year.
spring|fall|winter
Water Shoes
Provides comfort and protection while launching and retrieving the kayak on rocky or uneven surfaces.