About the Tides, Currents & Rough Water Class

Goals: Learn to navigate in current, understand tidal current phenomena, and gain experience handling tide rips and related rough water conditions.
Prerequisites: Sea Kayaking II (or equivalent experience); surf zone experience recommended; at least twice paddling in previous 2 months strongly recommended.
Duration of class: 7 hours (see below for specific start times)
Time on water: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Location: San Francisco Bay (Marin County)
Cost: $109, includes all kayak gear and instruction.

Note: Good physical condition is required to ensure an enjoyable class. If you are not sure about your abilities to handle such an activity, please call our Program Office at 800-366-9804.

In this class you will learn the basic techniques for paddling in areas subject to tidal current. Anyone who paddles on San Francisco Bay should understand tides and know how to deal with tidal currents. We meet at Horseshoe Cove just inside the Bay on the north side of the Golden Gate. Instructors will hand out gear and provide a brief description of the day's activities. Then we get on the water and paddle to Angel Island (approximately 2 miles).

On Angel Island, we will discuss tide and current phenomena in detail, especially with respect to San Francisco Bay. You will also be introduced to various strategies for dealing with current, how to use the current to your advantage, and how to handle tide rips and rough water.

After a lunch break, we will paddle back across the bay to Yellow Bluff, crossing the current and riding the ebb tide along the way. In the tide rip at Yellow Bluff we will practice the following maneuvers:

ENTERING AND EXITING THE EDDY: PEEL OUTS
FERRYING ACROSS THE CURRENT
BRACING AND HANDLING WAVES IN A TIDE RIP
SURFING WAVES IN THE TIDE RIP (optional, depending on student skill and experience)

During these exercises, we are grouped in a large, calm eddy where kayakers can rest alongside the fast-moving tide rip. Please be aware that capsizing is always a possibility when learning to paddle in current and rough water. Be assured that your instructors are well-prepared for this scenario and can rescue you quickly! This is your chance to "push the envelope" with a dependable backup. However, no one is forced to paddle more than they want in the tide rip, and some students can opt to remain in the calm eddy after a brief foray into the rough water.

After the tide rips exercise, we ride the ebb current back to Horseshoe Cove, then debrief the class. After taking this class, you will have a good understanding of tidal currents, and be better prepared for kayaking on San Francisco Bay and other areas subject to current. You will also have gained some experience paddling in rough water (and perhaps doing rescues in rough water) which will help prepare you for open water conditions anywhere.

Note: Due to the nature of annual tidal cycles, this class is only offered during fall and winter months. If you wish to focus more on rough water skills, consider the Tide Rips Clinic.

©CCK, 2/02

EQUIPMENT:
CCK provides all kayak equipment, including wet suit, paddle jacket and US Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD), spray skirt, paddle, helmet, and kayak. You will need to provide some personal items for the class; the links below will take you to our on-line store, Purepaddlesports.com. 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!
Shop for a Semi-Dry Paddle Top!

* A swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit.
Purchase Paddler's Shorts now!
Shop for a Paddler's Wetsuit or Drysuit

* 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 winter class.
* Light-weight gloves, for warmth and blister prevention. Purchase Paddling Gloves, and a Paddling Hat, or Hood to fit under your helmet now!

Shop for a Kayaking Helmet!

* Snacks and lunch (in a zip-loc bag, preferably; we will transport in kayaks)
Purchase a Dry Bag for carrying food and clothing now!

* Eye/sunglasses and a retention device.
* 1 qt. water bottle(s)- there are drinking fountains available.
* Waterproof sunscreen for lips & face.
* Dry, warm clothes and a towel for the end of class.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE:
FEBRUARY 13, 2010: 10AM

Dates and start times for this class are arranged to coincide with optimal tidal factors. We meet at Horseshoe Cove in East Fort Baker, in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area; the cove is near the northeast tower of the Golden Gate Bridge (Marin County). We launch from a small boat ramp directly in front of the Coast Guard station. Start times for upcoming classes are as follows:

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
Click here for map

From San Francisco or South Bay cities:
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the Alexander Avenue Exit; Follow signs to "East Fort Baker" and the "Bay Area Discovery Museum"; You will see a left turn lane marked by a "Marin Headlands" sign; Go left on this road (Bunker Rd); Just before the 5-minute tunnel heading toward the Marin Headlands (don't go through the tunnel!!), take a hairpin right at the yield sign; This will lead you down the hill into East Fort Baker; At the bottom of the hill, turn right on Murray Circle and drive to the next stop sign; You are now at Horseshoe cove; Turn left at the waterfront and park next to the boat ramp in front of the Coast Guard station. Parking is free. Look for the California Canoe & Kayak truck.

From North or East Bay cities: (take the Richmond Bridge to Marin County from the East Bay):
Traveling south on 101, take the last Sausalito exit just before the Golden Gate Bridge and follow signs to "East Fort Baker" and the "Bay Area Discovery Museum"; You will see a left turn lane marked by a "Marin Headlands" sign; Go left on this road (Bunker Rd); Just before the 5-minute tunnel heading toward the Marin Headlands (don't go through the tunnel!!), take a hairpin right at the yield sign; This will lead you down the hill into East Fort Baker; At the bottom of the hill, turn right on Murray Circle and drive to the next stop sign; You are now at Horseshoe cove; Turn left at the waterfront and park next to the boat ramp in front of the Coast Guard station. Parking is free. Look for the California Canoe & Kayak truck.

TO BRING WITH YOU:

CCK provides all kayak equipment, including wet suit, paddle jacket and Personal Floatation Device (PFD).
On the water you will need:
1) IMPORTANT! One or two long sleeve shirts of polypropylene, polyester (i.e. Thermax, Capilene, Polarfleece, etc.), or wool. No cotton, please!
2) A swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit.
3) Footwear that can get wet, e.g., wet suit booties, lightweight sneakers (not too bulky).
4) Eye/sunglasses and a retention device.
5) 1 qt. water bottle(s)- there are drinking fountains available.
6) Billed cap or hat for shade or warmth; wool hat for winter classes!
7) Snacks and lunch (in a zip-loc bag, preferably; we will transport in kayaks)
8) Waterproof sunscreen for lips & face
9) Dry, warm clothes and a towel for the end of class

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Paddling is fun and rewarding! As with all outdoor activities it includes an element of risk. The risks, hazards, and potential consequences are outlined in a "Liability Release, Express Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement" which you will be required to read and sign before the beginning of the class or trip. Your signature on this form is a declaration of your willingness to accept personal responsibility for any risks involved in your participation. Any person under the age of 18 and not accompanied by his/her parents or legal guardian needs to bring an original parent/guardian signed form to the class prior to participation. If you have any questions regarding potential risks please call our office @ 800-366-9804.

LIABILITY RELEASE FORM:

You will be required to sign a Liability Release, Express Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement at the start of your class or trip. The entire text of this legal form may be viewed on our web at Liability Release.. It also can be provided to you by fax or mail upon request by calling our reservation office @ 800-366-9804.