Preparing to Paddle THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY

• Rentals: 15 minutes early (waiver + gear fit + route chat).

• Lessons & Tours: 15–20 minutes early (briefing + on-water plan).

• Private Events/Groups: 20–30 minutes early (group check-in).

• Sauna: 10 minutes early (orientation + rinse).

• Youth Camps: Follow the camp email; arrive early on Day 1 for forms/intro.

If the shop is momentarily unstaffed, meet us at the Crane Cove beach; then text if needed.

• Board or kayak sized to you

• Paddle & SUP leash (leash required on SUP) 

• PFD (life vest) for every paddler (bring your own if you prefer) 

• Dry bag for small items (phone/snacks/towel/clothes) 

• Quick orientation & launch assist (all experiences)

• Warm days: board shorts/athletic wear, tee or sun shirt/rash guard.

• Cool/windy days: add a light layer (long-sleeve, hoodie, joggers/yoga pants).

• Wetsuits: not required unless you expect to be in the water a lot or run cold. 

• Footwear: flip-flops/crocs/water shoes; avoid barefoot on rocks. 

Bring: water, sunscreen, hat/sunnies (strap helps), photo ID, and optional towel. (We sell sunscreen if you forget.) 

Bring a water bottle, towel (or rent one for $2), and light layers for the deck.

Always use your towel underneath you in the sauna and keep it with you between cycles.

We’ll guide you through heat–cool cycles and timing. Great post-paddle reset.

• Drop-off: 18th Street access road by the shop (no parking there). 

• Street parking: around the park; arrive early on sunny days. 

• Paid lots: 19th & Illinois, 20th St; UCSF garage at Mariposa & Illinois; check SpotHero for rates. 

• Transit: Muni KT to Mariposa & 3rd, Caltrain 22nd St, and the waterfront path to the Embarcadero.

We have changing rooms and lockers inside the shop. We also have a rinse station for clients. Our shower is for sauna guests only.

Public bathrooms: on the north side of the building near the beach, open 9am–5pm on weekdays and till 4pm on weekends.

Please note for clients with services outside of these hours, there is no other public restroom. We do not have a bathroom.

We monitor conditions all day and choose routes that fit the day. Mornings are often calmer; afternoons can breeze up. If conditions aren’t safe, we’ll adjust, reschedule, or credit your booking. PFDs are required; SUP leashes provided.

• Rentals: basic SUP or kayak experience required; first-timers should book a lesson.

• Lessons/tours: all levels; we start in protected water and build skills.

• Minors:

  • Minimum age is 7 for experienced paddle boarders and in tandem kayaks with adult. Must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Minimum age for solo kayak (with accompanying adult is 10).

  • Minimum age for independent paddling without supervision is 16.

  • Parent / guardian must sign the waiver.

  • Ask us for best-fit sessions by age/experience. (Camp families: see your confirmation email.)

Proper footwear is important. As we enter and exit the water there are potential hazards with sharp rocks. Flip flops, crocs, or water shoes are a must.

Dogpatch is the sunniest part of San Francisco. Don’t forget your sunscreen! We have plenty in the shop for sale if you forget.

• Lockers: available in the shop for personal items. We monitor the lockers but do not provide locks. If you prefer to lock your lock, please bring your own lock.

• Phones/cameras: use a strap/waterproof case; we offer dry bags. 

• Pets: Dogs are allowed on the dog-friendly paddle board on any standard kayak but must wear an approved PFD and booties. Dogs will not be permitted if these items are not used (we sell them in the shop).