San Francisco Bay Boardsailing Plan - Central Bay North

Use

Strong winds, a sandy beach, negligible currents and parking close to the launch area make Race Track one of the most desirable kiting locations in the bay. It is not uncommon to have more than 30 kiters on the water at the same time and see nearly 100 kiters use the site in a day. As noted, the quick drop-off and obstacle-free waters are idea for foiling.

Rigging / Launching

Kiters are currently using the southern-most section of the beach as the ‘open space’ is currently used for storage during construction. Once construction is finished, the ‘open space’ will also accommodate launching and landing. Both spaces pose challenges, as the beach area is the primary point of entry and exit to the new parking lot, while the ‘open space’ requires traversing the Bay Trail, then hurdling a seawall, and navigating around riprap.

Safety

The large number of off-leash dogs, growing number of beach-goers and heavy flows of traffic funneled through the primary launch/landing area pose challenges, as kiters need to move quickly from land to water. Gusty and onshore winds in the cove require advanced kite control and upwind kiting skills. The beach is bordered by rip rap, meaning downed kites can quickly land on or strike the rocks, ruining the kite. The combination of these factors make Race Track suitable only for Intermediate/Advanced kiters.

Amenities

Parking near the launch/landing site, restrooms and an enlarged beach have improved the user experience. There are no water fountains or showers.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

The site’s relative advantages

• Long history kiting due to its easy access to some of the best wind in the East Bay
• Parking near the launch/landing area
• Ideal foiling launch
• Negligible currents and onshore winds blow kiters back to land

Weaknesses

Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized

• No official designation of launch/landing area on heavily trafficked beach - ‘open space’, with native grasses, requirement to cross Bay Trail, scale sand wall and then navigate exposed rip rap on beach create hazards during launch and landing
• Primary public beach entrance located immediately adjacent to kite launch/landing
• Onshore winds require strong upwind kiting skills
• Gusty winds and shoreline of rip rap require keen wind knowledge and advanced kite-control skills

Opportunities

Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience

• Construct movable gap in seawall and clear path of travel from open space to beach
• Designate the southern-most section of the beach a kite launch and landing area
• Post signs to educate beach goers and kiters about proper safety protocol

Threats

Factors or trends that could threaten site use

• High risk of injury to kiters due to obstructions between open space and the beach
• Increased traffic with completion of Bay Trail creates additional pedestrian density in launch/landing area with increased risk of injury to pedestrians if kites land on beach or trail

Brickyard is a popular kiteboarding location if conditions are right and skills are sufficient to ensure that a rider can stay upwind. Kiters typically launch from a small sand and cobble beach located near the intersection of Point San Pedro Road and McNear Brickyard Road. The site is used by kiters due to its consistent winds and sufficiently wide beach and adjacent grass and ice plant areas provide space for rigging. The site is privately owned above the high tide line, but use has historically been accommodated.

Use

A sand and cobble beach and adjacent space for rigging and launching make Brickyard an important boardsailing site. Brickyard is one of the only kiteboarding launches on the Bay in Marin County. Use is limited to higher tides, as mudflats extend a substantial distance from the beach at low tides.

Rigging / Launching

Kiters will park just off Point San Pedro Road or in the adjacent neighborhood and walk their gear to the beach to launch. Gear can be rigged on the beach or on the 20x30-foot grass area just north of the western end of the beach and launch from the beach.

Safety

The narrow beach and proximity to power lines and roadways make the beach suitable for only for advanced kiters. Kiters must be aware of tides, as mudflats can limit the ability to return to shore. Submerged rocks and other debris can pose hazards at lower tides off of the eastern portion of the beach. The beach is also popular with dog walkers and other members of the public, so care needs to be taken when launching and landing.

Amenities

This is an informal site. As such, no amenities are provided.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

The site’s relative advantages

• Sand and cobble beach with adequate space for boardsailing rigging and launching
• One of few locations in Marin County that provide kiteboarding access to the Bay
• Long history of boardsailing use with growing levels of existing use

Weaknesses

Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized

• Proximity to roadways, power lines, and the riprap shoreline, as well as the need to immediately go upwind make the site suitable only to advanced boardsailors
• Lack of facilities due to informal nature of access
• Bike path limits parking in the immediate vicinity of the launch

Opportunities

Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience

• Implement SFBA safety program, plus docents & outreach materials to ensure visitors and those less familiar with the site understand proper use and etiquette
• Factors or trends that could threaten site usese
• Restrictions or loss of roadside parking
• Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the beach
• Kiters not maintaining an appropriate buffer from Marin Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Kiters not following proper safety practices, resulting in hazards to other users

Crissy Field is a world-class boardsailing site that has been heavily used by boardsailors (windsurfers and more recently kiteboarders) for more than 40 years. Rigging and water access is concentrated at the west end of East Beach, because it is upwind and west of the rocky riprap shoreline and provides a sandy and safe area for launching and landing even during a flood tide when sailors are being pushed toward the rocks to the east. Boardsailors will typically park on or adjacent to grass turf (which was constructed for this use) to protect fragile equipment by rigging on a soft surface near the vehicle before carrying their gear, with bare feet, across the Promenade to the beach for launching.

Use

Optimal world-class wind conditions, challenging currents, a wide beach, and the iconic location make Crissy Field one of the most popular boardsailing sites on San Francisco Bay and in the world. Typically, over 200 sailors a day launch and land at the beach under ideal conditions.

Rigging / Launching

Rigging and water access is concentrated at the west end of East Beach, because it is upwind and west of the rocky riprap shoreline and provides a sandy and safe area for launching and landing even during a flood tide when sailors are being pushed toward the rocks to the east.

Safety

Due to fluctuating winds, strong currents, and high levels of commercial and recreational vessel traffic, Crissy Field is suitable only for experienced boardsailors. Limiting obstructions and interactions between sailors and other users between the parking area and the beach is critical to maintain safety.

Amenities

There is load-bearing enhanced turf parking/rigging and pavement for 500+ vehicles at East Beach, as well as nearby restrooms, an outdoor shower, water fountain, and picnic tables. Space is shared with sunbathers, walkers, dogs, and other beach-goers.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

The site’s relative advantages

• Wide, sandy beach with adequate space for boardsailing rigging and launching
• Original design completed in close consultation with boardsailing community
• Long history of boardsailing use with high levels of existing use
• World-class location with ideal winds and scenic views

Weaknesses

Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized

• Impediments (i.e., signs, low fences) between the parking area and the beach can harm equipment and increases difficulty of use
• Fluctuating winds, strong currents, and frequent boat traffic make the site suitable only to experienced boardsailors
• Popularity of Crissy Field can result in high demand for beach space resulting in more opportunities for negative interactions among user groups
• Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experienceork with GGNRA and other stakeholders to ensure planned Crissy Field Next project does not diminish boardsailor access or create new safety/use hazards
• Protect or enhance parking as far west as possible, adjacent to turf for rigging
• Implement SFBA safety program, plus docents & outreach materials to ensure visitors and those less familiar with the site understand proper use and etiquette
• Factors or trends that could threaten site usef historic parking and rigging at west end in proximity to the beach
• Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the beach
• Kiters not following proper safety practices, resulting in hazards to other users

Located just south of Albany Beach, Fleming Point offers steady and strong winds and the views of the central bay, San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge are unmatched. The advantage of Fleming Point is that the wind line is cleaner than inside the cove of Albany Bulb and its upwind position allows kiters easier access to strong winds outside. Due to the advanced launch and landing environment, the beach is only suitable for advanced kiters.

Use

Use of the site was popularized during the closure of Albany Beach for renovation, where kiters discovered the significant advantages from its upwind position offered over Albany Beach. Strong winds, a sandy beach, negligible currents, a quick drop-off and parking close to the launch area make Fleming Point a rare launch in the bay area. During peak days of use, 40 kiters per day launched from the site.

Rigging / Launching

During low tides, kiters rig and launch from the southern beach. During high tides, rigging, launch and landing is confined to the parking lot, where advanced self-launch and landing skills are often required when no one is there to assist. Launching and landing in the parking lot was the primary means of launch and landing at Albany Beach before the redesign.

Safety

The relatively small beaches at Fleming Point are surrounded by rocks and old pier pylons extend out from the point. The southern beach abuts a rocky cliff. The beach is bordered by rip rap, meaning downed kites can quickly land on or strike the rocks. Access to the beaches requires navigating rocks and avoiding a tall light post—a hazard for kites aloft. The combination of these factors make Fleming Point suitable only for advanced kiters.

Amenities

Parking near the launch/landing site, restrooms and an enlarged beach have improved the user experience. There are no water fountains or showers.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

The site’s relative advantages

• Upwind location and quick underwater drop-offs are ideal for foiling
• Parking near the launch/landing area
• Removed from other beach goers and dogs
• Negligible currents and onshore winds blow kiters back to land

Weaknesses

Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized

• Beach only supports launch/landing during lower tides
• Parking is permitted by Golden Gate Fields but could be revoked
• Launch and landing in parking lot can be dangerous
• Beach is surrounded by various obstacles, leaving little room for error during entry and exit
• Access to beach requires navigating narrow pathways and tall light post
• Construction of Bay Trail elevation has severely compromised and may have eliminated access to Fleming Point

Opportunities

Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience

• Move or remove existing light post in adjacent parking area
• Work with Golden Gate Fields to designate an area for parking and direct traffic to the east of this zone
• Ensure no obstructions are placed along Bay Trail that could create hazards

Threats

Factors or trends that could threaten site use

• High risk of injury to kiters due to obstructions to the beach
• Dangerous to launch and land during high tide already, further sea level rise could eliminate beach

Point Emery, informally known as “Ashby”, is a long established windsurfing location and is a quality kiteboarding location if conditions are right and skills are sufficient to ensure that a rider can stay upwind. Kiters typically launch from small sandy beach located just north of the Point Emery parking lot. Windsurfers will either launch from the beach os consistent winds, convenient location, and sufficiently wide beach and adjacench or on thbeach or on the grass / ice plant area within the park and launch from the beach.

This site is recommended for advanced riders only. The narrow beachad. Within the park, facilities are limited to benches and a walking path. Space is shared with sunbathers, walkers, dogs, and other beach-goers.eeways

Weaknessesed or minimized

• Proximity to roadways and the riprap shoreline, as well as the need to immediately go upwind make the site suitable only to experienced boardsailors
• Small space for launching result in high demand for beach space resulting in more opportunities for negative interactions among user groups

Opportunities

Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience

• Work with City of Emeryville and other stakeholders to ensure planned shoreline protection project does not diminish boardsailor access or create new safety/use hazards
• Potential improvements at the Point, such as a ramp, could make the site suitable for kiters to launch from the west end of the park
• Implement SFBA safety program, plus docents & outreach materials to ensure visitors and those less familiar with the site understand proper use and etiquette

Threats

Factors or trends that could threaten site use

• Loss of beach from erosion and longer-term sea level rise
• Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the beach
• Kiters not following proper safety practices, resulting in hazards to other users

Point Isabel Regional Shoreline offers a premier windsurfing launch located in the City of Richmond. The East Bay Regional Park District recently completed a new ramp, rigging area, and shoreline protection project that was designed in close collaboration with the boardsailing community. Due to the riprap shoreline and high numbers of off-leash dogs in vicinity of the launch, this site is generally not suitable for kiters.

Use

Windsurfers have been launching here for decades, but mostly from a set of degraded cement stairs that could be hazardous. Completion of the new facility has increased popularity of the site, which offers optimal wind conditions and a convenient location. Over 40 sailors a day launch and land at under ideal conditions.

Rigging / Launching

A large rigging area filled with pea gravel offers a soft surface for gear rigging a short walk from the parking lot. Water access is provided from a wide cement ramp next to the rigging area, which provides access to a small gravel beach and into the water.

Safety

The new launch ramp was design with grooves to provide traction. Additionally, the project reinforced the shoreline protection and moved larger boulders that could trip or injury windsurfers entering and exiting the water.

Amenities

This is a premier windsurfing facility. Users park within Point Isabel parking lots, then walk gear to the rigging area. Additional amenities include restrooms, water fountains, a cafe, and seating. The park is a very popular off-leash dog park, with over a million visitors annually. Windsurfers share this space with dogs and walkers, who also use the water access for swimming and ball chasing.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

The site’s relative advantages

• Premier windsurfing rigging and launching facility
• Long history of boardsailing use with high levels of existing use
• Design completed in close consultation with the boardsailing community
• Central Bay location with convenient access from several freeways
• Active group of boardsailors provide site stewardship

Weaknesses

Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized

• Off-leash dogs can step on and damage fragile windsurfing gear
• Albany Mudflats (to the south) is extremely shallow and is not suitable for boardsailing

Opportunities

Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience

• Work with EBRPD and ensure future phases of site improvements do not diminish boardsailing access or create new safety/use hazards
• Expand or enhance parking to allow people to back vehicles in closer to the launch
• Implement SFBA safety program, plus docents & outreach materials to ensure visitors and those less familiar with the site understand proper use and etiquette
  • Placement of new impediments along the beach (i.e., fencing)
  • Kiters attempting to use the site and not following safety practices, resulting in hazards to other users
• Factors or trends that could threaten site

Remillard Park, informally known as “Larkspur”, provides a small dirt path from the roadside parking area to the rocky beach shore that has long been used for windsurfing. Windsurfers typically launch from the small access point located east of the main parking lot. The site is used by windsurfers due to its ease of access, free parking, and sufficiently wide area for rigging.

Use

Water access with nearby space for rigging and launching has made this a boardsailing site with a long history of use. Winds are less consistent here, but the shoreline can be used when the winds are blowing north or northwest. Limited parking and a public restroom that has been closed for years further reduces use.

Rigging / Launching

Windsurfers will park in the lot located adjacent to the beach and small commercial center. Gear is rigged on the beach or on a gravel area at the top of the beach.

Safety

This site is recommended for advanced riders only. The narrow beach, offshore winds, and nearby ferry terminal make the launch suitable for only for experienced riders. Mudflats are exposed at low tides so riders need to be aware of how tides may affect their ability to return to shore.

Amenities

This small park provides dedicated parking and opportunities to walk the shore on the Bay Trail. A restroom on site has been closed due to vandalism for several years.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

The site’s relative advantages

• Sand beach with adequate space for boardsailing rigging and launching
• Easy access from Marin and the East Bay
• Long history of boardsailing use

Weaknesses

Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized

• Armored shoreline, proximity to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, and lack of nearby other locations to get on and off the water make this site suitable only to more experienced boardsailors
• Lack of facilities

Opportunities

Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience

• Work with City of Larkspur and other stakeholders to formalize access to protect and, if needed, enhance boardsailor access through provision of a formal rigging area
• If site use grows, implement SFBA safety program, plus docents & outreach materials to ensure visitors and those less familiar with the site understand proper use and etiquette
• Factors or trends that could threaten site usef shore access from erosion and longer-term sea level rise
• Restrictions or loss of parking
• Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the beach
• Collisions or impeding with ferry operations

San Quentin provides a small beach that has long been used for windsurfing, located north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The sandy beach is used by windsurfers due to its access to winds, free parking, a small grass rigging area, and a sufficiently wide beach with exceptional views.

Use

A sand beach with space for rigging and launching has made this a boardsailing site with a long history of use. Winds are less consistent here, but the beach can be used when the winds are blowing north or northwest. Limited parking further reduces use.

Rigging / Launching

Windsurfers will park along Main Street adjacent to the beach. Gear is rigged on a small grass area near the stairs at the top of the beach.

Safety

This site is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders only. The offshore winds and proximity to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge make the launch suitable for only for experienced riders. Mudflats are exposed at low tides so riders need to be aware of how tides may affect their ability to return to shore.

Amenities

Access at this small beach informal so no amenities are provided.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

The site’s relative advantages

• Sand beach with adequate space for boardsailing rigging and launching
• Easy access from Marin and the East Bay
• Long history of boardsailing use

Weaknesses

Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized

• Offshore winds and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge pilings make the site suitable only to experienced boardsailors
• Lack of facilities

Opportunities

Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience

• If site use grows, implement SFBA safety program, plus docents & outreach materials to ensure visitors and those less familiar with the site understand proper use and etiquette

Threats

Factors or trends that could threaten site use

• Loss of beach from erosion anse
• Restrictions or loss of parking
• Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the beach

Shimada Park provides water access for windsurfers from a set of stairs that lead from the shore into the water in the small shoreline park. Rigging occurs on the lawn, which is located next to the parking lot and a short distance across the Bay Trail from the water. The convenience of parking, a grass rigging lawn, and water access make this a popular launch.

Use

Shimada Park has a set of stairs that lead through the riprap to the water along a south-facing segment of shoreline. The grass lawn provides an ideal rigging area. Typically, over 20 boardsailors a day launch and land at the beaches under ideal conditions.

Rigging / Launching

Rigging occurs on the grass lawn in the middle of the park. Kites can be inflated and rigged on the grass lawns and then walked aloft from the lawn across the Bay Trail to the beach. The presence of large trees between the rigging area and launch require advanced skill to safely maneuver the kite.

Safety

The shoreline adjacent to the beaches is armored with riprap and there is a long riprap jetty adjacent to the west beach that can present safety hazards to kiters entering or in the water. Vincent Park is also popular with families, so limiting interactions between sailors and other users between the lawn and the beach is critical to maintain safety.

Amenities

There is parking for 38 vehicles, as well as restrooms, a water fountain, BBQ area, playground, and picnic tables. Space is shared with families, walkers, dogs, cyclists, and other park users.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

The site’s relative advantages

• Grass lawns adjacent to the beach provide adequate space for boardsailing rigging
• Long history of boardsailing use with moderate levels of existing use
• Access to calm water area in the lee of the breakwater west of Brooks Island

Weaknesses

Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized

• Riprap shoreline armoring along the shoreline can be hazardous
• Lower steps are broken and in need of repair
• Rocks from the riprap can migrate onto the water entry area or just offshore underwater and can cut bare feet

Opportunities

Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience

• Work with City of Richmond and other stakeholders to fix the damaged steps and to ensure quality boardsailor access is maintained
• Implement SFBA safety program, plus docents & outreach materials to ensure visitors and those less familiar with the site understand proper use and etiquette
  • Sea level rise and loss of beach resulting in narrowed launching and landing area
  • Placement of additional impediments between parking / rigging area and the water
  • Boardsailors landing on or disturbing nesting birds and wildlife on Brooks Island
• Factors or trends that could threaten site

Starkweather, informally known as “Rod and Gun”, provides a small beach that has long been used for windsurfing. Windsurfers typically launch from the small sand beach located north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. A smaller path north of the beach can also provide water access when mudflats limit use of the beach. The site is used by windsurfers due to its ease of access, free parking, and sufficiently wide beach and area for rigging.

Use

A sand beach with space for rigging and launching has made this a boardsailing site with a long history of use. Winds are less consistent here, but the beach can be used when the winds are blowing north or northwest. The northern tip of the point above the beach can be used at lower tides to avoid mudflats by the beach. Limited parking and a public restroom that has been closed for years further reduces use.

Rigging / Launching

Windsurfers will park in the lot located adjacent to the beach and small commercial center. Gear is rigged on the beach or on a gravel area at the top of the beach.

Safety

This site is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders only. The narrow beach and proximity to roadways make the beach suitable for only for experienced riders. Mudflats are exposed at low tides so riders need to be aware of how tides may affect their ability to return to shore.

Amenities

This small beach provides dedicated parking and opportunities to walk the shore on the Bay Trail. A restroom on site has been closed due to vandalism for several years.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

The site’s relative advantages

• Sand beach with adequate space for boardsailing rigging and launching
• Easy access from Marin and the East Bay
• Long history of boardsailing use

Weaknesses

Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized

• Proximity to roadways and the riprap shoreline, as well as the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge pilings make the site suitable only to experienced boardsailors
• Lack of facilities, including restrooms
• Mudflats at low tide from the beach

Opportunities

Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience

• Work with City of San Rafael and other stakeholders to formalize access to protect and, if needed, enhance boardsailor access through provision of a formal rigging area
• If site use grows, implement SFBA safety program, plus docents & outreach materials to ensure visitors and those less familiar with the site understand proper use and etiquette

Threats

Factors or trends that could threaten site use

• Loss of beach from erosise
• Restrictions or loss of parking
• Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the beach