Launching from Ocean Beach SF

The fleet didn't necessarily launch from OB. Could've launched from China beach or Baker and paddled around the point. Totally doable.

The fleet didn't necessarily launch from OB. Could've launched from China beach or Baker and paddled around the point. Totally doable.

totally +1

Definitely wouldn't recommend launching from China beach/Baker beach as the currents are way too strong considering it's where the ocean meets the mouth of a huge bay/river.  The fleet out there were the PBers and party boats.

Definitely wouldn't recommend launching from China beach/Baker beach as the currents are way too strong considering it's where the ocean meets the mouth of a huge bay/river.  The fleet out there were the PBers and party boats.

Excellent point, I didn’t mention that in the past when we have launched there it has been a super bare bones operation in a wetsuit. It is likely going to get wet. A yard sale is likely. I would consider this a great place to get seriously injured if you don’t know what you are doing.

Aloha,

Isao

I've surfed OB quite a bit.  On the absolute smallest/calmest days of the year I think it's totally possible.  Depending on conditions, I would most likely swim/wade when coming in once I hit the breakers, keeping the kayak between me and the beach. 

Lots of shallow sandbars that just appear which could be affect pedaling if you put in too early.  You want to find a nice deep channel to go out in.  Not hard to find when launching but that's going to be difficult to find when coming back in.   

Wait for a lull in between the sets and launch. 

Should be 100% prepared and ready to flip, also should be very confident in surf and current. 

Also if you launch here please be aware of surfers and don't be in a situation where a surfer is between your kayak and the beach in the surf zone when launching/landing.  If you lose control of your kayak you could hurt someone. 

Definitely wouldn't recommend launching from China beach/Baker beach as the currents are way too strong considering it's where the ocean meets the mouth of a huge bay/river.  The fleet out there were the PBers and party boats.

No doubt -- the current RIPS through there. And since some newb may attempt it, I'm not recommending any of it, Ocean Beach or otherwise!