GGB. Advice for the newb

I am thinking of a launch near the north tower area this week.  I'm not an expert by any means and this would be a first for me in this area.  I'm in good shape, strong paddler etc., but am concerned about the tales of tides and being swept out out, unable to paddle to shore. I suspect you are laughing now, but wanted to check before I go.  last thing I need is to call my wife from the Farallon island asking her to pick me up.   

Thanks for the laughs,

-Steve

Short and simple: don't do it!

What kind of bay/ocean experience do you have?  It isn't for the inexperienced or faint of heart.

So there is some truth to it.  Not the answer I was expecting. 

Maybe I'll save this one for a hookup then, go with someone more experienced the first time.

Thanks

Short and simple: don't do it!

What kind of bay/ocean experience do you have?  It isn't for the inexperienced or faint of heart.

the flow on an outgoing tide there is very dangerous(i've seen&heard). A soft in-coming tide would be a better choice(if you had to choose)

and the possibility of capsize and not being able to right oneself....  strong currents, eddies, whirlpools, and heavy chop....

even sit ins can have trouble in this area....

this is no area for the inexperienced or alone

Not to mention traffic.

But all that said, it's totally doable at the right time.  Pick a bad time and it would be a nightmare.

and the possibility of capsize and not being able to right oneself....  strong currents, eddies, whirlpools, and heavy chop....

even sit ins can have trouble in this area....

this is no area for the inexperienced or alone

+ 1

Regarding tides, last week would have been "bad:"

12/22/2011 Thu 02:16AM LST 2.6  L  08:41AM LST 7.0  H  03:38PM LST -1.2 L  10:52PM LST 4.8  H 
12/23/2011 Fri 03:12AM LST 2.7  L  09:30AM LST 7.1  H  04:25PM LST -1.5 L  11:42PM LST 5.0  H 
(i.e. over 8' of tide change between low and high)

This week looks pretty "good:"

12/30/2011 Fri 03:54AM LST 5.4  H  09:50AM LST 2.2  L  03:23PM LST 4.3  H  09:27PM LST 1.1  L 
12/31/2011 Sat 04:34AM LST 5.4  H  11:00AM LST 2.0  L  04:37PM LST 3.8  H  10:14PM LST 1.7  L
(less than 2' of change)

Of course, everything else everyone said still applies.  The plus is that it's a protected/harbor launch (Ft. Baker/Horseshoe Cove) with parking a few feet from the water.  Just dress for success (and survival), go with a buddy, and have all the neccessary safety equipment. 

So there is some truth to it.  Not the answer I was expecting. 

lol, just a tad bit of truth 


When you look at the geographic caharacteristics on a bigger scale you have a large body of water being sucked through a narrow passage.  At the passage its met by oncoming swell, wind, chop, ship wakes and refracted waves bouncing off the cliffs.  Tides are only a quarter of the contributing factors there, also look at current charts, swell, wind and fog forecasts. Then take into account that the passage itself has its own quirks in relation to depth and protection.

Being in shape is helpful.....but experience will be your most valuable tool. I'd wait till conditions are ideal, then go with another experienced paddler.
 
   

Where is the launch near the north tower?
I've launched from the SF side quite a bit. If you don't mind a bridge toll, let me know when you want to go.

Where is the launch near the north tower?

Ft Baker, CG ramp.

If Mooch did it anyone can do it! .... I wouldnt do it!!!!!!!!

Where is the launch near the north tower?

Ft Baker, CG ramp.

Here's a couple of pics of the launch. 

Where is the launch near the north tower?

Ft Baker, CG ramp.

Here's a couple of pics of the launch.

Yep, funny, I've paddled over there but never around the wall. Might go out tomorrow am from the south side. Kinda want to see what this west swell kicks up, if anything.

Thanks All, great advice. Most important is the detail you provided on reading the tides (MS).  What does everyone think is a small tide? 2-3 feet?  And a dangerous tide? 7+ feet?  Just trying to get a feel.

Also Piski, thanks for the offer.  I'm definitely up for a launch from the sf side.