Richardson Bay Kayaking
(scroll to bottom for photo gallery)
Location: Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddling Center, by the Bay Model parking lot, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito 94965
Starting Point: Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddling Center, by the Bay Model, Sausalito. Though the address says 2100 Bridgeway, the parking lot for the Bay Model and Sea Trek requires a drive down Marinship Way off Bridgeway. Follow the signs for the Bay Model to reach the parking lot. See map in Directions link below.
Info/Links:
For all web links, if a link doesn’t jump directly, copy and paste into browser.
Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddling info link:
https://www.seatrek.com
Directions (and map) to get to Sea Trek in Sausalito (Sea Trek Kayak and SUP):
https://www.seatrek.com/directions/
Environmental Traveling Companions info link (ETC):
https://www.etctrips.org
Bay Model Visitor Center info link (Our Sausalito):
https://www.oursausalito.com/fun-sausalito-activities/bay-model.html
Distance:
Rather than the typical hike or walk description, this is a water based activity. You can paddle a kayak or paddle board quite a ways in Richardson Bay, if the water is smooth enough to stray from the closer shore and marina area. This outing offers arm exercise rather than leg exercise.
Considerations:
• Sea Trek uses the Bay Model parking lot, which is free, but can get full on weekends.
• There is a toilet facility outside the Bay Model.
• Kayaking in the bay is better done when waters are not rough. Be sure all participants securely fasten the provided life vests.
• There should be a member of the group who knows water safety and rescue techniques along with any participants who are not strong swimmers.
• Taking valuables on a kayak is not recommended. The Sea Trek staff can hold some items during paddling time.
The trail:
Once you get to the Bay Model parking lot, look for signs directing you to the Sea Trek rental area. A staff member will help you sign in and rent your equipment. The kayaks and paddle boards are a short walk down along a dock. The kayaks used to be launched directly off the beach at the previous location. That presented pros and cons. The new location allows participants to start with the vessel already in the water, which is easier in some ways, but presents some wobbly entrance and exit issues for those not used to boats.
It is a very short paddle straight out toward the bay to come out to more open water. Get a feel for whether the wind is picking up or the waves are a bit rough. It can feel easy to paddle out, only to find that winds and waves make it a struggle to come back to return the kayak. Always keep safety and your group’s abilities in mind.
A turn to the left takes kayakers past boats in the marina toward a line of wooden posts that often have artfully posing sea birds on them. There are other structures which offer views of lounging harbor seals and sometimes other marine mammals. I believe there is a sign posted about staying a specific distance from marine mammals. Camera lenses can bring close up views without having to ride up close and disturb the animals.
A turn to the right out from the starting area faces toward the San Francisco skyline. There are some large boats in this direction, and one can paddle up toward structures along the Sausalito shoreline more toward the touristy part of town.
Wear clothes that are okay if they get a bit wet. Protect whatever device you’re taking photos with, cell phone or camera. Be sure to have some sun protection for hot sunny days. It can get quite hot and bright out on the water.
Kayaks are light so the paddling isn’t too strenuous. Even first timers who fumble starting out will eventually get a feel for how to steer and propel a kayak. Stay safe and have fun!
The Bay Model is also a wonderful free place to visit. Check out the exhibits before or after your paddle if you have the time.
Kayaking on Richardson Bay from Sausalito is an adventure full of stirring images, whether a sunbathing harbor seal or a stunning view of Mt. Tam. (Richardson Bay Kayaking Hike Notes were originally paired with the “Underestimating Ourselves” Insights post.)
Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page. Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. See products with inspiring designs that support the efforts of HikingAutism under Support/Shop. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777
(scroll to bottom for photo gallery)
Location: Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddling Center, by the Bay Model parking lot, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito 94965
Starting Point: Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddling Center, by the Bay Model, Sausalito. Though the address says 2100 Bridgeway, the parking lot for the Bay Model and Sea Trek requires a drive down Marinship Way off Bridgeway. Follow the signs for the Bay Model to reach the parking lot. See map in Directions link below.
Info/Links:
For all web links, if a link doesn’t jump directly, copy and paste into browser.
Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddling info link:
https://www.seatrek.com
Directions (and map) to get to Sea Trek in Sausalito (Sea Trek Kayak and SUP):
https://www.seatrek.com/directions/
Environmental Traveling Companions info link (ETC):
https://www.etctrips.org
Bay Model Visitor Center info link (Our Sausalito):
https://www.oursausalito.com/fun-sausalito-activities/bay-model.html
Distance:
Rather than the typical hike or walk description, this is a water based activity. You can paddle a kayak or paddle board quite a ways in Richardson Bay, if the water is smooth enough to stray from the closer shore and marina area. This outing offers arm exercise rather than leg exercise.
Considerations:
• Sea Trek uses the Bay Model parking lot, which is free, but can get full on weekends.
• There is a toilet facility outside the Bay Model.
• Kayaking in the bay is better done when waters are not rough. Be sure all participants securely fasten the provided life vests.
• There should be a member of the group who knows water safety and rescue techniques along with any participants who are not strong swimmers.
• Taking valuables on a kayak is not recommended. The Sea Trek staff can hold some items during paddling time.
The trail:
Once you get to the Bay Model parking lot, look for signs directing you to the Sea Trek rental area. A staff member will help you sign in and rent your equipment. The kayaks and paddle boards are a short walk down along a dock. The kayaks used to be launched directly off the beach at the previous location. That presented pros and cons. The new location allows participants to start with the vessel already in the water, which is easier in some ways, but presents some wobbly entrance and exit issues for those not used to boats.
It is a very short paddle straight out toward the bay to come out to more open water. Get a feel for whether the wind is picking up or the waves are a bit rough. It can feel easy to paddle out, only to find that winds and waves make it a struggle to come back to return the kayak. Always keep safety and your group’s abilities in mind.
A turn to the left takes kayakers past boats in the marina toward a line of wooden posts that often have artfully posing sea birds on them. There are other structures which offer views of lounging harbor seals and sometimes other marine mammals. I believe there is a sign posted about staying a specific distance from marine mammals. Camera lenses can bring close up views without having to ride up close and disturb the animals.
A turn to the right out from the starting area faces toward the San Francisco skyline. There are some large boats in this direction, and one can paddle up toward structures along the Sausalito shoreline more toward the touristy part of town.
Wear clothes that are okay if they get a bit wet. Protect whatever device you’re taking photos with, cell phone or camera. Be sure to have some sun protection for hot sunny days. It can get quite hot and bright out on the water.
Kayaks are light so the paddling isn’t too strenuous. Even first timers who fumble starting out will eventually get a feel for how to steer and propel a kayak. Stay safe and have fun!
The Bay Model is also a wonderful free place to visit. Check out the exhibits before or after your paddle if you have the time.
Kayaking on Richardson Bay from Sausalito is an adventure full of stirring images, whether a sunbathing harbor seal or a stunning view of Mt. Tam. (Richardson Bay Kayaking Hike Notes were originally paired with the “Underestimating Ourselves” Insights post.)
Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page. Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. See products with inspiring designs that support the efforts of HikingAutism under Support/Shop. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777
