Bay Area Sea Kayakers (BASK) is a non-profit 501(c7) sports club of several hundred sea kayakers who live throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our interests include flat-water paddling, kayak-surfing, expeditions, and playing amongst the rocks, in conditions that range from mild to wild. Our club exists to bring paddlers together for companionship, safety, education, exploration, learning, and great food and drink! We're committed to safety both on and off the water, and our club holds insurance through Paddlesports Risk Management. We offer an inexpensive annual Skills Clinic to members, as well as numerous free clinics on skills, rescue, and safety throughout the year. We welcome as members all individuals interested in kayaking. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive paddling club and to sharing our enthusiasm, skills, and knowledge to increase equity and access to our sport.
BASK trips range from local to international, and are all member-initiated with shared responsibilities for safety. BASK does not supply boats or equipment, although some members are willing to share their equipment. You have to be a member or a guest of a member to participate in on-the-water BASK events and a signed activity waiver is required. Follow the links to learn more about the benefits of membership and to join BASK.
We invite you to attend one of our monthly meetings, either online or in person. They are free and open to the public; in-person meetings include food (suggested donation $15). The format of each meeting may vary a bit month to month, but they tend to include members sharing stories, featured speakers, club news, and information about upcoming events. It’s a great way to meet club members and learn about paddling opportunities. For more information see the Events page!
Would you like to speak at a BASK meeting or have an idea for a speaker? Contact the Speaker Seekers. Interested in what type of speakers we’ve had in the past? See a representative list of previous general meeting topics.
BASK Health Guidelines
For the safety of participants at all BASK paddles and other in-person activities, please stay home and join us another time if you're experiencing symptoms of or testing positive for any respiratory or other easily communicable illness.
Next BASK General Meeting: Saturday, January 24 (In Person)
Time: 9:30-11:30 am.
Don’t miss joining us on Saturday, January 24th for our monthly General Meeting. Get up to speed on upcoming BASK plans and activities, learn about new BASK initiatives, and join Alameda sailmaker and sailing legend Kame Richards for a lecture and tour of the Bay Model.
Location: Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA.
Post-Meeting Hosted Lunch: 11:30 am
If you're not yet a BASK member, contact BASK President Brad Findlay for details.
Featured Presentation: "What kayakers need to know about tidal currents in San Francisco Bay" by Kame Richards
Like sea kayakers, sailors racing in San Francisco Bay learn to take advantage of tidal currents and eddies. Kame Richards has used the Bay Model for decades to educate sailors in the finer points of these currents, and will now focus on the needs of sea kayakers navigating the bay. Kame shows aerial photos to indicate how to spot eddy lines and determine which way the water is moving on each side of the line. He will focus on the patterns of eddies and counter-currents along the edges of the bay that kayakers can take advantage of when the main currents oppose them. After his presentation in the classroom, he will take us onto the model floor to illustrate the currents as we watch speeded up tides in action. You can pick locations to study the currents that will help or hinder your next paddle. Kame Richards is an avid sailboat racer and the founder of Pineapple Sails in Alameda. His sailboat racing experience covers San Francisco Bay, the California Coast, 12 Hawaii races, 8 Mexico races, and other parts of the world.
Volunteers Needed!: And appreciated for setup and/or cleanup.Stay tuned for more details on Currents.
Have an item for the agenda? Got ideas for meetings or locations? Contact Brad Findlay, BASK President.
