3rd Annual Bay Parade

In support of a healthy San Francisco Bay I want to inform you of a fun and exciting event coming up May 22nd!

The Bay Area's Premier On-the-Water, Multi-Sport Event Celebrating a Clean and Healthy San Francisco Bay Swim  |  SUP  |  Kayak  |  Boat

The Bay Parade is an annual celebration of Baykeeper's successes in making San Francisco Bay safe and enjoyable to recreate in. Join hundreds of other participants on Sunday, May 22, 2016 for a fun and active day in San Francisco Bay. You'll make it to the big screen when the parade's finale is broadcast on the Jumbotron at the start of the Giants home game. New! The Golden Rivet Award recognizes the fastest solo swimmer, fastest swim team, and biggest parade fundraiser from each year's Bay Parade. Winners' names will be engraved below a Golden Gate Bridge rivet cast in solid gold. Winners will be invited to join the home plate ceremony opening the Giants evening home game on May 22. See the Golden Rivet.

COURSES Click here to view detailed course information and complete registration.

SWIM The Bay Parade swim is 6.5 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge to McCovey Cove. Participate as a timed solo swimmer, timed four-person relay team, or open relay team. $100 registration fee, plus $200 fundraising minimum. STAND UP PADDLEBOARD The Bay Parade stand up paddleboard course is an easy paddle from Pier 40 to McCovey Cove and back, ½ mile each way. $75 registration fee, plus $75 fundraising minimum. Includes board rental. KAYAK The Bay Parade kayak course is an easy run from Pier 40 to McCovey Cove and back, ½ mile each way. $75 registration fee, plus $75 fundraising minimum. Includes kayak rental. BOAT Sailboats and powerboats are needed as escorts for solo and relay team swimmers along the swim route. No registration fee or fundraising requirement. VIP SAIL Join us aboard the Bay Lady schooner to sail the Bay in style as we cheer on swimmers, kayakers, and paddlers in the Bay Parade. Tickets start at $275. Find out more about the VIP Sail.

AFTER PARTY

Join the Bay Parade party on shore after the finale, hosted by Anchor Brewing. Registration includes one free ticket per participant. Additional tickets will be available for $50 purchase or with $50 donation to a participant's fundraising page, until sold out. Registration opens soon.

SPONSORSHIP

For information on becoming a Bay Parade sponsor, click here. For information on sending a company team, click here. 20% discount for 5+ registrations. To explore either of these options, contact Eliet Henderson, Baykeeper Development Director, ateliet@baykeeper.org or (510) 735-9700 x101. All proceeds benefit San Francisco Baykeeper. For over 25 years, Baykeeper has worked tirelessly to stop pollution in San Francisco Bay using science, litigation, and advocacy.

Middle River to Mildred Island

I've been paddling quite a bit and haven't had a chance to do any write ups. I suppose that's a good problem to have. I'll start with one of my most recent new trips - paddling Middle River to Mildred Island.

This paddle was 9 miles round trip but could have been much longer with so many smaller islands and sloughs to explore. We launched from Cruiser Haven Marina and headed north with the outgoing tide and chose to turn right before going under the Orwood bridge owned by BNSF railroad. We made our way along the south side of the 7,000 plus foot bridge which protected us from the strong winds blowing from the north.




Once we reached Middle River we turned north and did our best to use the tule and marsh covered islands to keep us from paddling into the wind. We reached the Bacon Island bridge and we encountered hundreds if not thousands of swallows building their nests under the bridge. They were very busy as they darted back and forth with mud for their homes.

Mildred Island flooded and was abandoned in 1983 and is now home to many fish species. It's also a very popular anchorage for pleasure boaters throughout the summer months. There appears to be many beaches available for landing, at least at low tide. We only explored a sliver of this special island and were very pleased with what we found. There's definitely more to see here and I look forward to returning soon!

We'll help you design a custom tour for your group!