Alameda Rock Wall (ARW) 5-22 Safety of the Rock Wall

Launched out of ARW an hour late 7AM. High tides was expected 11am Trolled around looking for some sort of life. I made it out past the rock wall, and thought I should start back now because the wind will pick up around 1pm. On the return back just as I passed the Red channel marker and hook up with a 28.5" Halibut dragged it up to the surface and pissed it off when I missed with the 1st gaff attempt. She made a huge run as you would imagine if you pissed off the fish. Dragged it back to the surface and completed the 2nd gaff job. My first Halibut keeper now on the boat and I was filled with excitement. As I enjoyed the fruits of my labor I rode the out going tide.  Now I returned to my idea that I need to get in before the wind picks up. Trolling full speed back and the fastest I can go was 1.5 mph. It felt as if I was going nowhere. I slowly made it past the first wall and I heard others who were further out, then I talk about how hard it was for them to paddle against the tide. Another kayaker suggested going behind the wall for the return to get out of the tide. I just past the opening to go behind and I thought about what to do and made the decision to go back and go behind the wall for the return back to the launch area. It was a great Idea to go behind the wall for the return. This decision doubled my speed back in to the launch. I went from 1/1.5 mph to 3.5mph. The out going tide was very difficult to return back to the launch.

ALWAYS Remember you can return BEHIND the ROCK WALL.  Beach landing but very easy landing.

Congrats on your first legal! Halibut is mating now. They are more aggressive then usual IMO. The backside is safe heaven for sure.

In my early days i made the long paddle back at the heigh of the current on an inflatable that just wanted to go in circles. Took me over an hour. Always a rude awakening when the river turns on haha. The current subsides after about 45 mins though and becomes more manageable.

I've been out at ARW on a float tube and the only way I could back when the outgoing tide starts pulling is by sticking right next to the wall. It's doable on a float tube but you might get some weird looks from the jetty anglers on a kayak.

That might have been me that suggested it. I learned this a few weeks ago. It’s a nice fall back to have when it gets windy or when the tide is too much. Glad that that option was there cause the pad eye on my seat broke that day and it became really hard to pedal back. Luckily once I pulled behind the second wall I was safe and moving quickly back to the beach.