Mudflats, marshes, and less frequent wind limit the number of boardsailing sites in the South Bay.
| Launch | Access Type | Minimum Skill Required¹ | Level of Use | Kiteboarding | Windsurfing | In Water Trail Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto Baylands |
Dock | A | Low | - | X | X |
Baylands Sailing Station
The Palo Alto Baylands Sailing Station provides formal water access for windsurfing. Windsurfers typically rig on the unpaved parking lot, then carry their rig down the gangway and launch from the dock. The site receives low levels of use due to mudflats that constrain access to a narrow channel during lower tides. At higher tides, it provides a quality access locations with strong winds, ease of access, and free parking.
Use
Strong winds and sufficient space for rigging and launching has made this a windsurfing site with a long history of use. The gangway is wide, but still typically requires winsurfers to carry rigs over their head, which can be strenuous particularly at the end of a sail.
Rigging / Launching
Boardsailors will park within the Sailing Station parking lot at the end of Embarcadero Road. Gear is rigged on the unpaved parking lot or a small cement pad adjacent to the parking lot at the top of the gangway.
Safety
This site is recommended for advanced riders only. Winds blow offshore, so riders risk a long swim or being blown towards the East Bay if equipment fails. Mudflats can restrict access to a narrow channel from the dock to the Bay, which requires skill to navigate or a boardsailor can become stuck in the mud.
Amenities
The Sailing Station provides parking, portable restrooms, and gear washdwon. The Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Center offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, water, and a restaurant.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
The site’s relative advantages
- Formal water access with adequate space for windsurfing rigging and launching.
- The only formal windsurfing site in the South Bay.
- Long history of boardsailing use.
Weaknesses
Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized
- Offshore winds make it suitable only to more experienced boardsailors.
- Mudflats restrict access to a narrow channel at lower tides.
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 usef access from continued siltation.
- Restrictions or loss of parking.
- Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the water.
Carquinez Straights
While the winds are frequently good, suitable access locations on the Strait are more limited. The low-tide beach at West 9th Street is sufficiently wide to launch a kite, but water access is can be challenging. Matthew Turner Park offers a lawn that can be used for rigging and an access path to the water, and is used for kiteboarding lessons by a local concessionaire. Located just outside the Strait, Lone Tree Point receives less suitable winds, but has sufficient space to launch and land adjacent to a small beach.
| Launch | Access Type | Minimum Skill Required¹ | Level of Use | Kiteboarding | Windsurfing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Tree | Beach | I | Low | X | - |
| Matthew Turner Park |
Path | A | Low | X | X |
| West 9th Street Beach |
Beach | A | Med | X | X |
Lone Tree Point ("Rodeo Beach")
Lone Tree Beach, informally known as “Rodeo Beach”, currently offers informal boardsailing water access to San Pablo Bay from a small beach south of the Rodeo Marina. Parking is available near the bridge over the railroad and boardsailors can use a path down to the beach. The beach is narrow to non-existent at higher tides, but sufficiently wide to launch at mid to lower tides.
Use
Strong winds and sufficient space for rigging and launching has made this a suitable site for boardsailing use. The low tide beach with a path offers a informal launch location, though access to the site may be improved in the future. Access is only suitable at lower tides, as the beach is narrow at higher tides.
Rigging / Launching
Boardsailors will park along the road near the railroad bridge. Gear is carried approximately 1/4 mile and rigged on the beach or on the grass area at the top of the path to the beach.
Safety
This site is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders only. Winds blow side-shore / onshore. Submerged rocks and old pilings along the nearby shoreline require extreme caution when entering and exiting the water. The lone tree at the southern edge of the beach and a bench at the top of the beach could also snag a kite or lines.
Amenities
This informal shoreline park offers water access and is primarily used for fishing. There is a bench and picnic tables, but no other amenities are provided.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
The site’s relative advantages
- Water access with adequate space for boardsailing rigging and launching
- Grass lawn for rigging
- Free parking a short walk to rigging area
Weaknesses
Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized
- Beach launch is limited to mid to low tide use
- Offshore semi-submerged obstacles including rocks and old pilings require extreme caution
Opportunities
Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience
- Work with East Bay Regional Park District and other stakeholders to formalize access to protect and, if needed, enhance boardsailor access
- 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 access from erosion and longer-term sea level rise
- Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the water
Use
Strong winds and sufficient space for rigging and launching has made this a suitable site for boardsailing use. The shoreline is lightly armored, with small riprap that is relatively easy to navigate, making it a convenient launch location.
Rigging / Launching
Boardsailors will park in the parking lot and gear is rigged on the grass lawn area at the top of the riprap.
Safety
This site is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders only. Winds blow side-shore / onshore, so riders risk being blown into the armored shoreline. Submerged rocks and old pilings require caution when entering and exiting the water and booties are recommended.
Amenities
This informal water access provides parking and opportunities to enjoy the view from benches and picnic tables. A concessionaire runs kiteboard lessons from the park by appointment.
SWOT Analysis: Matthew Turner Park
Strengths
The site’s relative advantages
- Water access with adequate space for boardsailing rigging and launching
- Grass lawn for rigging
- Free parking a short walk to rigging area
Weaknesses
Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized
- Launch location is somewhat hazardous due to rocks and old pilings located offshore
- Popularity of the site can lead to crowding
Opportunities
Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience
- Work with City of Benicia and other stakeholders to formalize access to protect and, if needed, enhance boardsailor access
- 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 access from erosion and longer-term sea level rise
- Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the water
West 9th Street
West 9th Street Park offers boardsailing water access to the Carquinez Strait via a low-tide beach. Public parking is available within the park and boardsailors can use a path down to the beach. The beach is narrow to non-existent at higher tides, but sufficiently wide to launch at mid to lower tides. Due to the narrow beach, backed by steep bluffs, this site is rarely suitable for launching and landing.
Use
Strong winds and sufficient space for rigging and launching has made this a suitable site for boardsailing use. The low tide beach with a path from a popular park offers a convenient launch location. Access is only suitable at lower tides, as the beach is extremely narrow at higher tides. Boardsailors will sometimes exit here, if unable to return to Matthew Turner Park.
Rigging / Launching
Boardsailors will park in the parking lot and gear is rigged on the beach or on the grass lawn area at the top of the path to the beach.
Safety
This site is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders only. Winds blow side-shore / onshore, so riders would be blown into the armored shoreline if they miss the beach. Submerged rocks and old pilings along the Benicia shoreline require extreme caution when entering and exiting the water.
Amenities
This popular park offers water access provides parking and contains a picnic area, restrooms, BBQ pits, lawns, playground, and a boat launch
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
The site’s relative advantages
- Water access with adequate space for boardsailing rigging and launching
- Grass lawn for rigging
- Free parking adjacent to rigging area
Weaknesses
Issues or characteristics that limit or degrade site use unless they are eliminated or minimized
- Beach launch is limited to mid to low tide use
- Steep bluffs back the beach and limit space for launching
- Offshore semi-submerged obstacles including rocks and old pilings require extreme caution
Opportunities
Actions that could contribute to improved site use and/or user experience
- Work with City of Benicia and other stakeholders to formalize access to protect and, if needed, enhance boardsailor access
- 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 access from erosion and longer-term sea level rise
- Placement of new impediments between parking / rigging area and the water
