Delta Launch Locations

8mile west til dead ends turn left go all the way down and throw yak right off last dock

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Reminder: This thread was originally created in 2006. Lots of changes in the Delta area have been made since that time. I'm sure many of the access areas and fees have changed.

This thread is meant to be a resource for the NCKA community. All members are welcome to post changes and are encouraged to add new locations.

Thanks,
Al

Russo's Marina ($12) and sugar barge ($15) launch fee went up.

wondering if anyone knows of any stealth type drop in locations for bethal island/franks tract area....places that are safe parking...I know theres a few marinas but was looking for something other than norm...any info appreciated...thanks

https://eastcountytoday.net/antioch-marina-announces-new-kayak-facilities/ 

check the comments, looks like not everyone is as happy with a new state of the art kayak launcher as I am.  haters.

I think we can all agree that will kayaks more than other boating the launching and recovery is the worst part.  So I'm brain storming on how to make a cheap, probably stealth, kayak launcher out of....???....plywood, pool noodles, indoor/outdoor carpet, 5gal plastic buckets???

More on that later.

recent photos of ramp with my boat (soon to be for sale!)

Interesting dock, but it looks like it might be a bit challenging with a heavy sot fishing kayak. And definitely not AI-friendly...

https://eastcountytoday.net/antioch-marina-announces-new-kayak-facilities/ 

check the comments, looks like not everyone is as happy with a new state of the art kayak launcher as I am.  haters.

I think we can all agree that will kayaks more than other boating the launching and recovery is the worst part.  So I'm brain storming on how to make a cheap, probably stealth, kayak launcher out of....???....plywood, pool noodles, indoor/outdoor carpet, 5gal plastic buckets???

More on that later.

What’s the charge to launch there?

great thread!!  the Delta is daunting for a new kayaker.  a thread like this helps immensely.

https://eastcountytoday.net/antioch-marina-announces-new-kayak-facilities/
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What’s the charge to launch there?
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IIRC some sign about $5/day parking but I've never paid or heard of any tickets.  Its one block from Antioch PD.  I wouldn't worry about Parking Pass unless the lot is getting full of trucks with boat trailers. AFAIK its in operation 24/7/365.  My only pet peeves/suggestions are:

1)People in cars obviously not actively boating like to park right up where I want to park for the 2 minutes it takes to drop my boat on the ramp.  They just sit there smoking and drinking in cars because I guess its the best view. 

2)No bathrooms within 200+yrds of ramp area, I guess because the area is supposed to be clear of anyone not launching boat (see #1).

Big Break Regional Shoreline (just up river about a mile from Antioch marina and plastic pillows ramp)

https://www.ebparks.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=24148

As you can see its about 1/4 trail from parking lot to "ramp".   Trail is flat wide gravel for most of the 1/4 mile, so bring a cart.  I did it with just bow dolly but wished I had a cart.

Ramp is some plywood and or planks that go from firm mud to soft mud to muddy water.

Parking lot and ramp is FREE but lot has gates and park closes in evening (forgot exact specs).

While its not 24/7/365 like Antioch Marina and harder to launch and retrieve "clean", its much less crowded and less windy and less wavy and lots of nice shallow protected waters to explore.

I think there MIGHT have been a working water fountain and even faucet but don't quote me.

Posted as of today: 
    Big Break: Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) is present in the water, and toxins have been detected. Avoid any contact with cyanobacteria or scums in the water, and keep dogs away from the water.
 

Interesting dock, but it looks like it might be a bit challenging with a heavy sot fishing kayak. And definitely not AI-friendly...

Its soft but not too tricky to walk while "king konging"(carrying overhead) my fairly big and heavy Tarpon16i.   I guess you could also cart your boat over and slide from cart to pillows.   Main feature besides semi-soft pillows are the low hand rails on either side that make it nice and easy to Launch And Retrieve once seated.  If you got your scuppers plugged its easy to LAR while staying 100% dry from head to toe.

Main drawback of this Kayak LAR is often choppy water once past the boat ramps and high winds.   I've never seen ANY windsurfers.  They are common at the not too far away Palo Alto boat launch, and that has issues due to low tide/mud flats.   Once had a very worried windsurfer asking me "Where is the channel?!?!" because he was semi-stuck in mud and tide was going out.   Maybe the Palo Alto location gets high wind but it blows from West (land) so no big chop.  Windsurfers also common in SF Bay at SF/Daly City.

What is "AI-friendly"?

I would skip the pillows and launch off the dock if possible. I have a kayak (Ocean Kayak Malibu two) that cracks at the scuppers when you sit on it on the ground. As a rule, I never sit in kayaks unless they are in the water to minimize the risk of cracks as the bottom flexes.

I found launching off of docks are more difficult that just shoreline launching. You have to be a very good balancer and quick to scoot ass off dock and into seat, without the yak sliding away. Looks nice though!

I found launching off of docks are more difficult that just shoreline launching. You have to be a very good balancer and quick to scoot ass off dock and into seat, without the yak sliding away. Looks nice though!

a friend showed me a method where you use the paddle to secure things as you scoot across.  you start on your butt on the dock and end on your butt in the kayak.  the paddle is the "bridge" between the boat and dock.

now my hobie compass, i can damn near step in, and quickly sit down.