Are there good places to scuba and/or kayak near Santa Rosa, CA?

Question

San Francisco area is also acceptable

Answer 1

Hi Bri C,

Yes,

The closest whitewater kayaking:

Santa Rosa creek after a good rain. Class II-

Squaw rock run on the Russian river, after a good rain. Class III

Cache Creek Rumsey run (year round) and the Wilderness run after a good rain. Class II+

Pilbury run on the Eel river, after rain. Class III

Mark west creek, after rain. Class III-IV

Ocean surfing:

Salmon creek beach (Big in winter, good in summer).

Bolinas (considered best beginner kayak break in area, winter is best).

Doran beach (During a strong south swell in winter).

Ocean/touring Kayaking:

Anywhere, most popular places are:

Tomales bay

Drakes bay

Bolinas estuary

Petaluma river

Spring lake

Lake Sonoma

Russian river

Doran beach

Goats rock beach

Estero Americano

San Francisco bays and inlets

McCovey cove when Barry Bonds is at bat

Etc.

Diving:

Abalone diving is very good all along the coast.

Note: 5 divers died this year on the northwest coast.  Be sure you know what you are doing.

Roll practice:

Ridgeway and Finley aquatic centers (the Santa Rosa public pools)

For further good local information, join the Sequoia paddling club there in town.  They meet in the local pizza shops in Santa Rosa. I learned to Kayak by joining that particular club. It's a good way to network with other boaters, get free lessons, try out boats, and is usually an excellent source for finding affordable boats and gear.  They have a newsletter (if you'ld rather not join) with good trip information on it.

Check out their website:

http://www.sequoiapc.org/

Shoot me an e-mail if you want more info/looking for gear.

Good luck, and happy boating.