GGB. Advice for the newb

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.

Under the GGB the most important info is the current! It can be VERY strong (> 6 knots), faster than you can paddle. So if you are not careful/aware, you can easily be sucked out into the ocean. No kidding.

The tide CHANGE (difference between high and low) pretty much dictates the speed of the current.  The biggest difference (only a few times a year) is like high of 7.2 ft and low of -2 ft, so that's about 9ft difference between high and low.  In simplest terms, that means the water level is falling/flowing out the gate 9ft in only 4-6 hours.  The smallest difference I've seen is less than 1ft of difference between high and low.  Also take into account the timing - you can ride the outgoing tide out the gate for a bit, then ride the incoming in, as long as you time it right.  All things being equal, this CAN be a lot safer than being even a mile offshore of the safest beach, in the calmest water, since you can stay relatively close to shore most of the time, with usually easy beach landings at Bonita and Kirby cove if you need to.  Of course, as long as all safety precautions are taken.

Also, dont think that just because the tide is dropping, it means the current will be flowing out to sea. Eddies form in the coves. Have a good look at a "currents" chart, usually attached to a good tide chart.

Also, dont think that just because the tide is dropping, it means the current will be flowing out to sea. Eddies form in the coves. Have a good look at a "currents" chart, usually attached to a good tide chart.

This can't be emphasized enough - some serious whirlpools out there, and the eddies aren't necessarily close to shore.
The worst thing is the wrong combination of wind, current and traffic. Last thing you want is to be gaining no ground in an eddy, with 4 ft wind waves, while watching the Cosco Busan bearing down on you.

Last thing you want is to be gaining no ground in an eddy, with 4 ft wind waves, while watching the Cosco Busan bearing down on you.

Those tankers and freighters are going between 5 to 6 knots and can't stop or turn to avoid you. By the way, the Cosco Busan has been renamed the Hanjin Venezia. So keep an eye out for her!

I'm game for this launch.

Peter