About the Valentine's Day Kayaking From Jack London Square

Goal: Enjoy a leisurely evening kayak cruise on the Oakland Estuary off Jack London Square.

Prerequisite: BSK (or equivalent) for single kayak; novices must paddle in a double kayak. The minimum age for this trip is14 years; children under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Duration of program: 3 hours
Time on the water: Approximately 2 hours
Note: Good physical condition is required to ensure an enjoyable class. If you are not sure about your abilities to participate in this activity, please call our Program Office at 800-366-9804.

Take your Valentine on a romantic evening kayak ride! Launching from Jack London Square on the Oakland Estuary, we'll enjoy a leisurely pace, catch the sunset, and watch the city lights set the stage for an enchanting evening on the water. The Estuary is calm and protected, so you'll stay warm and dry in our cozy tandem sea kayaks. No previous kayaking experience necessary!

Our enthusiastic staff give a brief orientation to the equipment and strokes, then guide you on a tour of the area. During the trip, we'll "raft up" the kayaks on the water and enjoy some light refreshments!

Start times for specific dates: Saturday, February 14, 2010; 5:00 PM

EQUIPMENT:
CCK provides all kayak equipment, including paddle jacket, wetsuit, and Personal Floatation Device (PFD), paddle and kayak. Wetsuits are optional for this trip, as we are not planning to practice capsizes! You will need to provide some personal clothing; you can purchase the recommended items from our on-line store, www.Purepaddlesports.com. Some of these items may be available for purchase at the Oakland store on the day of your trip. For assistance with on-line purchases, call us toll-free: (888) 452-9257.

You will need to bring:
* IMPORTANT! One or two long sleeve shirts of "polar fleece", or other polyester fabric; wool is OK. No cotton, please!
Purchase a Thermal Top now!

* A swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit (Wetsuits are optional, and typically not necessary for this class!)
Purchase Paddlers Pants or Shorts now!

*Fleece or polyester/nylon pants to wear instead of wetsuit; shorts OK for warm days.
Purchase Thermal Bottoms now!

* Footwear that can get wet, e.g., wet suit booties, lightweight sneakers (not too bulky).
Purchase Wet Suit Booties now!

* Billed cap or hat for shade or warmth; wool hat for evening programs.
Purchase a Paddling hat or hood now!

* Eye/sunglasses and a retention device.
* 1 qt. water bottle(s)- there are drinking fountains available.
* Snacks (optional) (in a zip-loc bag, preferably; we can transport in kayaks.
* Dry, warm clothes and a towel for the end of trip.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

From the North:
Heading south towards Oakland on Interstate 80, take 880 South; take the Broadway/Alameda exit; turn right at the first traffic light onto 5th street and go 13 blocks to Broadway; turn right on Broadway and follow it to Jack London Square and take a left on Embarcadero; Go 1 block then turn right onto Franklin Street into Jack London Square. We're next to Kincaid's restaurant, and across from Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

From the South:
Take 880 North towards Oakland and take the Broadway St. exit; left on Broadway go six blocks; left on Embarcadero go one block and turn right onto Franklin Street into Jack London Square. We're next to Kincaid's restaurant, and across from Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

From Contra Costa County:
Highway 24 to Interstate 980/Downtown Oakland (careful not to get on 580 toward Hayward) Take the 11th - 12th Street exit, straight on Brush Street, (you will be parallel with the freeway) Take a left on 3rd, right on Broadway. Follow Broadway to Jack London Square. Take a left onto Embarcadero go 1 block and take a right onto Franklin Street into Jack London Square. We're next to Kincaids restaurant, and across from Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

PARKING:
With validation, parking costs $13 maximum for the day in the underground lot below Barnes & Noble. You may also park at the surface lot located 2 blocks from Broadway on Embarcadero; parking here with validation costs $11 maximum for the day. Limited free parking is available in the immediate area within walking distance. If your class is on a Sunday, metered street parking is also free.

If you are delayed on the morning of your trip or cannot attend last minute, please call us on site at 510-893-7833.