7 Ways to Get Out on the Water in Marin

Some of the best views of our beautiful county are seen from the water, and as the days grow warmer, Marinites will no doubt start devising plans to get back out on the ocean and bay. Here are seven ways to make it happen, from guided kayak and SUP tours with local aquatic-orientated adventure outfitters to surf and sailing lessons for everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros.

Kayak

kayaking sea trek

View scenic Sausalito from the bay on guided kayak tours for the whole family, or rent your own equipment from SeaTrek, which is ideally located at Schoonmaker Beach. Or, view wildlife including sea lions, egrets and great blue herons while exploring Bolinas Lagoon on a guided kayak paddle with Explora ConmigoMode, an adventure outfitter run by Cecilia Figueroa.

Surf

surfing
Photo courtesy of Mei Li Restani

Marin Outdoor Adventure offers surfing lessons for first timers, as well as more seasoned surfers looking to improve their wave-riding skills. Owner Nicki Clark runs dynamic sessions, such as the Mother-Daughter Workshop and Friday With the Ladies. She also offers a girls’ surf camp available with a sliding scale pay option.

Foil

Wing Foiling at Hebara Beach surfer water sports trends 2021
Surfer wing foiling at Hebara Beach.

Located in San Rafael, 101 Surf Sports is the place for foil boarding in Marin, offering lessons and equipment for rent and purchase. Surf foiling is prime now through April, while wingfoiling, kitefoiling and windfoiling are best enjoyed from April through mid-September.

Sail

modern sailing school and club
Photo courtesy of Lyon Omohundro

Take advantage of a world-class sailing destination in our own back (or, front) yard on the San Francisco Bay. Modern Sailing School & Club in Sausalito offers sailing lessons, plus multiple excursions for first-time sailors or those who already have sturdy sea legs. Family trips allow kids under 18 to enjoy the sport, and their Wind & Women events call ladies to the sea for women-only sailing clinics.

SUP

sea trek paddle boarding

See the bay while paddling on a stand-up paddle board (SUP) by signing up for a class or tour, renting or buying your own equipment or even partaking in a session of SUP yoga. Check out local providers for more information, including SeaTrek and 101 Surf Sports.

Row

open water rowing center
Photo courtesy of Stefan Benton

Seen the rowers cutting through glassy water in their sleek boats looking like they’re getting a great workout and enjoying time on the water? Well, Open Water Rowing Center in Sausalito is the place to go to try out this fantastic sport.

Ferry

blue gold fleet ferry

For those who want to venture out on the water without breaking a sweat, take a ride on one of the Bay Area’s ferry fleets to explore Angel Island, spend the day in San Francisco while leaving your car at home, or just cruise around the bay and enjoy the views.


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richard wright

Richard Wright is a writer from Marin whose work has appeared in San Francisco Magazine, SOMA, 944, The Olympian and numerous online publications. He has an MFA from St. Mary’s College of California in creative writing and lives in Sausalito with his wife, Stephanie.