Oyster Point Marina (South San Francisco, SSF)

I thought I'd toss out a few things I learned about Oyster Point from my first paddle out there last weekend.  This might be common knowledge to the vets, but hopefully it helps out anyone who hasn't been there before.

I spoke with the Harbormaster office, and there is no launch fee for kayaks from either the public launch ramp (east end of harbor) or the beach on the west side of the marina.

The launch ramp in front of Drake Marina is a PRIVATE launch ramp, and I got gently scolded for not knowing that.  In my defense, I'm not a smart guy (and there were no obvious signage posted). The guy let me launch since I was already halfway into the water, with the request that I use the public launch ramp in the future.

When I came back in, I decided to land at the beach on the west side of the harbor.  I got out of the water right between high and low tides, and the beach was muddy.  Not bad enough that I couldn't trudge through it, but enough to convince me that I should bring fresh water with me next time to hose off my hands and feet before climbing into the car.  There is also a slight incline getting back up the walking path.  This shouldn't be a problem normally, but isn't a piece a cake when you're towing a kayak in muddy flip-flops.

On that note, the restrooms by Drake Marina are locked for private use, but the restrooms by the public launch are open for all.

One reason that I didn't launch/land at the public launch ramp was that I had seen two incidents (or possibly one extended one), where boaters were arguing about right of way.  I'm assuming that as kayakers (and especially since we're not paying launch fees), that we should defer to powerboaters launching/landing.  Can anyone shed light on if there are written or unwritten rules on how to use launch ramps without stepping on other people's toes?

Usually launch my kayak off the windsurfer launch near the flagpole.  Although on a low tide that can be a hassle.  Also, on a really windy day that can be difficult.

Thanks BMB.

Are you referring to the flagpole with the windsock above it?  If so, do you just hand carry your kayak down the steps?  I don't know if my kayak trolley wheels can handle those steps easily.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oyster+Point+Marina/@37.66158,-122.3754566,3a,15.4y,163.81h,85.15t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sZxK6CL1ZDDs7QFOxuaq67w!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x808f784d6ba96ea5:0x427554372db4eec1

That's the one. We tend to carry up or down the steps and prep at the bottom.  Wheels can also work if you take it slow.

I just launch from the beach. Sometimes that west wind comes up and it's a workout getting back to shore.