Parking/off water safety at Alameda Rockwall

Hi all -

I read the posts for paddling safety and tide timing suggestions for ARW and was wondering what kind of experiences people have had with their parked cars and such. I haven't been there yet and am wondering if it's something to be concerned about. I've heard a few unnerving stories about car break-ins, intimidation, mugging, etc even during the day.
Paddling/fishing off ARW is high on my to-do list after I get a little more comfortable in salt water (already did an ocean paddling safety course and am going to paddle around MLK Jr Shoreline and Capitola Wharf first).

Best,
  elgoog

At the behest of the karma gods...I have yet to experience any trouble there...cops do check the parking lot....you'll have more problems with the crabs, if your drift is too slow...

Man thats my backyard!! Ive been fishing there for 25 years and havent had any trouble. Fished all day all nite any day of the week. From time to time you get a bunch of those crazy kayak fellas cloggin up the ramp but eh!!

Thanks for the quick responses. I moved to Berkeley a little while back and am just starting to explore the East Bay. ARW is so conveniently close by, I'd hate to be afraid to go there. I'll probably end up paddling around there in a few weeks after I've done a few easier paddles/fish - looking forward to being there with NCKA

Like Brdopry (my son) said, no problems so far.  I've gone yaking there over 50 times in the last few years and no problems to speak of .  I've noticed a lot of fishing people do sort of keep an eye on the vehicles when they are going back and forth to the wall.  There is several old timers that park at the ramp, usually mid day and watch us weird yakers when we come in , a couple of them even have yaks.  When I caught my hali a couple of weeks ago, a couple of them even offered to help me carry it up to my truck (ya right!!) .  When I've gone out there I'm usually there at 0700 till either 1200 or 1300+

Just don't have anything worth stealing and you'll be fine.  Breakins can happen anywhere, don't let that be the reason you don't get out and explore!

I think crime rate in alameda is very low. Lots of cops for a small island town.

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Is Alameda still a free launch site?

Is Alameda still a free launch site?

Yes

In my opinion, you are more likely to slip on the slime which lives on the ramp than getting molested by the natives.  There are almost always folks fishing on the wall and walking back and forth.  Enjoy the mostly calm waters, breathtaking views, and every once in a while,  a halibut.   

you are more likely to slip on the slime which lives on the ramp

+1  and your kayak falls on top of you - not pleasant. Be careful there