Special Wetlands Tours & New Gearlab Dealer

 

Special Wetlands Tour

Due to the recently instated stay at home order we will be limiting tours and rentals to members of the same household. Under the new order, outdoor recreation facilities are allowed to remain open while following strict guidelines. Reservations must be booked at least 24 hours in advance by calling 9256425764.   During this time of uncertainty, it is important to maintain both our physical and mental health. We are offering a special Wetlands guided tour to give you the opportunity to recharge your physical and mental well being by offering single household only tours during the stay at home order. Outdoor recreation is allowed under the new order but we will only allow members of the same household to join these special discounted tours. Join us on the water for a guided 1.5 hour tour to the Dow Wetlands. Minimum 2 people maximum 6 people of same household. $45 Tour includes kayak, paddle, PFD, paddle pants and guide. Masks must be worn on docks but may be removed once on the water.   Beginning December 13th, Wetlands Special tours will launch daily at 3pm and an additional tour at 11am on Saturday and Sunday will also be available. Join us to experience why this is the best season to paddle the Delta!   We sincerely appreciate your help in keeping us afloat during these difficult times and are also offering Gift Cards that may be purchased online. Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a $20 bonus gift card on us. Gift Cards never expire and may be used for tours, rentals and classes.   Check out this video on our new YouTube channel for an idea of what you may experience while paddling with us. Be sure to subscribe to see other adventures on the water! https://youtu.be/viD6ySs5qng

We are now proud to be an official Gearlab dealer.

If you are searching for a Greenland paddle, search no more. We will be receiving a shipment of paddles in December. We will have at least one of each model in stock but they won't last long due to limited quantity. For more information about Gearlab visit their website at https://www.gearlaboutdoors.com/product_catalog/paddles

Bay Point Regional Shoreline - New Kayak Launch!

Paddlers now have access to another free launch spot! East Bay Parks have recently reopened Bay Point Regional Shoreline after an extensive restoration project. The restoration included habitat restoration, restroom upgrades, improvements to accessibility and trails, interpretive panels and overlooks and the addition of a kayak launch. Overall, the park district has done a wonderful job improving this park and I encourage you to check it out for yourself. Not only for paddling but as a lovely area for an easy hike.

The launch itself is about 1,000 feet from the parking lot so make sure to bring some wheels. The path to launch is not paved but it is a compacted surface which made it easy to pull kayaks to launch. For kayaks longer than 12 feet, you may need to go around a short fence as there is a 90 degree turn before you enter the gangway. There are flushable restrooms and a nice picnic area adjacent to parking lot.

This area gives you access to Honker and Suisun Bays. Fall and winter would be the best times to paddle this area due to less wind but always check tides and wind forecast. The current can be very strong in this area and tides are critical in planning a trip here. Spring and Summer are notorious for westerly winds and this area can be hazardous for novice paddlers. There is some protection from wind near the launch area but you need at least a one foot tide to paddle the protected area. I returned to the launch at a .92 ft tide and there was maybe 3 inches of depth at launch. 

Also beware of debris lurking under the water. There are lots of wrecks with sharp metal protruding that could do some serious damage. The slough you launch in is approximately one half mile to the entrance of Honker Bay. There are many possibilities to land along the shoreline if you needed to get out of your kayak.

There are many potential destinations from this launch if planned properly. To the east you can go to the Pittsburg Marina and take a short walk to the downtown area where there are many local restaurants to choose from. You can head northeast towards Chipps Island and Spoonbill Creek which are lovely areas to explore. Heading west you can paddle by the Concord Naval Weapons Station but stay far away or you will get chased and yelled at by security. It's approximately 10 miles west to the Martinez Marina if you're interested in a longer trip. Bay Point would make a nice lunch spot if paddling from Martinez with the tides in your favor.

Keep an eye on Delta Kayak Adventures calendar. We will be offering guided trips from this location during the winter season or if you prefer a private guided tour, contact us and we'll be happy to plan a trip for your group.

Cold Weather & Water Paddling Tips

Fall and Winter offer some of the best paddling conditions on the California Delta. With spectacular sunsets and abundant wildlife viewing you can enjoy magical moments on the water. You may be thinking it's too cold to paddle but I'm here to let you know you can still enjoy being on the water without being cold and uncomfortable. 

First of all, the number one thing not to wear is COTTON. Cotton absorbs water and takes a very long time to dry. Do not wear cotton t-shirts or jeans when paddling. Synthetic clothing like polyester blends, fleece or wool are great options for layering. We are all unique and some of us run warmer than others. If you tend to chill easily, start with something like a rash guard or thin synthetic base layer. You can also use these year round for sun protection. Next would be a medium weight layer or wool followed by a heavy outercore or expedition weight layer. There are many manufacturers but my personal favorites are Kokatat and NRS. Check their websites for more information about their products. 

Now that you have your base layers down, you want to consider your outerwear. You should always dress for immersion or the water temperature. It can get costly but depending on how often you paddle it can be money well spent. A farmer John or farmer Jane wetsuit is a good economical choice. You can wear a base layer under and then add layers over if needed. You can pair a wetsuit with a splash jacket or dry top. If you plan on paddling often year round, I would strongly consider a drysuit. These are very expensive but offer the best protection against hypothermia. You want to wear layers under the drysuit because the drysuits main purpose is to keep you dry, not necessarily warm. Drysuits typically range in price from $600 to $1500 but are usually backed by a very good warranty and can often be repaired if needed. Be aware that the lower price suits are typically SEMI-DRY which means they are not true drysuits. They do a great job but if you were to completely submerge yourself, chances are you would get water inside. Semi-drysuits usually have a neoprene type gasket in the neck and wrist area as opposed to latex. That makes them easier to put on and take off but are prone to some leakage when submerged.

Another option is pairing dry pants with a dry top. This is a more economical option but again won't necessarily keep you completely dry if you are submerged. Again, beware of dry top and pants vs. semi-dry top and pants.

There are also many choices when it comes to footwear. I prefer wetsuit booties. I wear one to two sizes larger than normal so I can squeeze the excess drysuit socks into them. I sometimes wear my Keen sandals if I don't plan on getting out of my kayak. You definitely want footwear that can get wet and be worn comfortably especially if you want to do any hiking at a landing site.

Finally, gloves can not only help keep your hands warm but can help protect against blisters. I honestly have yet to find a pair of gloves that I love. Neoprene gloves are ok but for me, once wet, it's very hard to keep my hands warm. I'm still experimenting and will let you know if I find the perfect glove. Another option to gloves is using pogies. Pogies allow you to have direct contact with the paddle shaft yet shield your hands from cold temperatures.

Do you have to spend a thousand dollars or more to keep warm? The answer is NO. The most economically safe option is a wetsuit paired with a paddling jacket or semi-dry or dry top. If this isn't in your budget you can always wear synthetic layers and splash pants and splash jacket to help keep you dry.

Whether you wear a drysuit, wetsuit or go with synthetic layers, ALWAYS bring a change of clothes to keep in a drybag in case you do get wet.

Delta Kayak Adventures offers paddle pants or wetsuits at no additional charge to help keep you dry and toasty if you book rentals or a guided tour. 

River Trip #7 Kimball Island Circumnavigation

This is a great trip and can vary in length from 3.5 to 5 miles plus depending on your route. Timed correctly with the tides it can be a couple hour paddle or you can take more time and explore inside Kimball Island. Whichever direction you choose to paddle, you will paddle against the current at some point. Stay close to shore and you can beat the current. Best to launch at slack tide, 1 hour before high or low tide.

Remember the 4 W's. When planning your paddle always check wind, weather, waves and water. If wind predicted or blowing more than 10 mph DO NOT LAUNCH unless you are experienced and have proper safety gear and have practiced self and assisted rescues. When launching from the Antioch Marina, cross directly over to Kimball as quickly as possible and only if there are no ships in sight. DO NOT LINGER IN MIDDLE OF RIVER. If you see a ship, wait to cross, they travel a lot faster than they look and can not stop if you were to capsize in the middle of the river. It's only a quarter mile across but that takes the average paddler 5 to 8 minutes to travel. No matter the direction you decide to paddle, stay close to shore and keep an eye out for river otters, beaver, sea lions, raccoons and various species of waterfowl. This is an amazing time of year to paddle this area!

When temperatures cool down be sure and dress for water temperature. Wear a wetsuit or drysuit. At the very least carry spare clothes in a dry bag in case you end up in the water. Hypothermia is something that should not be taken lightly. Make sure and carry snacks and plenty of water to ensure you have plenty of energy for this paddle.

You have 2 choices when you reach the north or south end of island. You can enter Fast Slough or Cabin Slough. Cabin slough is a little longer and is adjacent to Sherman Island. If you want to explore inside Kimball, take Fast Slough and you will encounter an opening that you can paddle through and explore. There are no places to get out of your kayak inside Kimball, so be prepared to spend a lot of time in your kayak. 

On the south side of Kimball Island you will encounter multiple shipwrecks. These ships were scuttled intentionally to use as a breakwater or plug a levy failure. Paddle with caution near these vessels as there are large exposed nails just under the surface of water depending on tide height. You will also discover a very popular beach on the south side. It's a great spot to get out and stretch although you may find the area littered with garbage from boaters who decided to leave their garbage on the island instead of packing it out.

You'll find this downed tree on the southwest portion of Kimball.

Delta Kayak Adventures offers

guided tours to Kimball Island. You're welcome to join our 2 hour tour to get a glimpse of what Kimball has to offer paddlers. Longer custom length trips can also be arranged. Kayak rentals are also available to explore on your own but make sure to contact us so we can assist you with tide and current information.

The views from Kimball Island can be spectacular.

What's New?

 It has been way too long since my last post. This year has definitely been crazy. After being shut down for nearly 10 weeks, we were able to reopen on a limited basis. Paddling is probably the safest social distance activity one can do. Thankfully, we have had a very busy but challenging year like so many other small businesses. The excessive heat and smoke from fires throughout the state forced us to close down multiple times, including Labor Day weekend. 

The smoke has cleared but the heat continues which is actually nice because the air and water temperatures are still quite warm. My favorite time of year is upon us. The wind is gone and has left the San Joaquin River looking like glass. The migratory birds are coming in and the wildlife activity has been increasing with lots of sightings of river otters, beavers and sea lions. A couple of weeks ago I had one of the most magnificent experiences during a dinner break on a small island near Sherman Lake. Literally millions of blackbirds flew overhead for a solid 30 minutes. I recorded quite a bit of it but haven't had a chance to upload to YouTube. You can see a snippet of video on our Facebook Page.

We have lots of exciting tours coming up including a couple of new tours that haven't been available to the public. Winter Island, on the San Joaquin River, has been recently restored to wetland habitat. It was a private island owned by a hunting club which the state bought and completed restoration last November. The currents within the sloughs inside the island can be very challenging so I strongly suggest a guided trip to explore it safely. Delta Kayak Adventures has made special arrangements with Oxbow Marina to offer limited tours from their amazing location. Oxbow is a private marina and not open to the public. They are located on Georgiana Slough which is one my favorite sloughs in the Delta. 

Check out our calendar to see what tours are coming up or book a custom tour with friends and or family! Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available year round but reservations are required a minimum of 24 hours in advance. We offer wetsuits and paddle pants during the cooler months at no additional charge.

Happy paddling and hope to see you on the water soon!

BOOK ONLINE

Quick Trip - Dow Wetlands UPDATE! RAMPS CLOSED

Update Antioch marina closed launch ramp until further notice. If you're looking for a quick paddle I suggest a paddle to the Dow Wetlands. At the time of this writing, the Antioch Marina boat ramp, which has a dedicated kayak launch ramp, is open. I've noticed that many launch ramps are beginning to close so be aware that it may close at any moment. I don't want to encourage paddling with friends right now but if you are an experienced paddler this is a nice trip to do alone.


When planning a paddle to the Dow Wetlands, as with any paddle on the Delta, check tides and weather for best time. If wind is predicted or blowing at more than 10 mph, DO NOT LAUNCH, unless you are an experienced paddler and can self rescue. Winds in this area don't have to be high to create challenging conditions. If the wind is blowing against the tide, the river can get 3 to 5 foot swells and breaking waves.

The optimal time for this paddle would be to launch about 1 to 2 hours after low tide. You will paddle against the current for about a mile before you reach the wetlands. If you stay close to shore, literally 5 to 15 feet from shore, you will catch an eddy that will help you. On your return, you will have the current to help you home.

Once in the wetlands you will be able to explore many sloughs. Keep your eyes out for river otter, beaver, mink, raccoons and waterfowl. Lately, there has been a pair of Mute swan in the small bay. They are huge and beautiful and the sound they make when taking flight is breathtaking.



I was able to get out there for a quick paddle yesterday and was treated to 3 raccoon, an otter, a mink, pair of mute swan, a couple of great blue heron and several great egrets. I was also able to catch 2 striped bass which made my day because fishing has been tough lately. If you listen closely, you'll hear marsh wren and blackbirds serenading you.


This can be a great paddle for both beginners and experts but plan your paddle carefully. Delta Kayak Adventures offers tours to the Dow Wetlands though we are closed at the moment due to Covid 19. You can purchase gift cards at 33% off that can be used for this tour or others when the shelter in place is lifted. Enter save33 for promo code. Gift cards can also be used for rentals and classes and never expire. As a sole proprietor, this is my primary income, so I appreciate any support you can provide. Share this information with friends and family and plan a trip for a future date to enjoy a fun filled adventure!

Coping and a Trip Up River

I'm currently at home doing my best to maintain social distancing. The past few days have been filled with anxiety, depression but most of all hope. I have hope in my Creator and Savior and know that He cares for us more than we can understand. Even though I'm frustrated at not being able to work and worried about what that means for my family I need to sit back and be still and let Him work. I'm comforted knowing He is with me and will provide what is necessary both mentally and physically.

Some ways I've been coping with being somewhat physically isolated and fighting the anxiety, is getting out on the water. Thursday was a beautiful day and I took advantage of the sunshine and light breeze and paddled 15 plus miles up the San Joaquin River. Yesterday I hit the river again with a shorter paddle to do some fishing. I had two good bites but lost them both close to the boat. I also ran into a couple of paddleboarders out for some fresh air so that was a nice surprise.

If you have your own kayak or paddleboard and proper safety equipment, I strongly suggest taking advantage of the time off, weather permitting, to get out there in creation and enjoy your surroundings. Remember, the Delta is influenced by tides, so plan your trip accordingly. Always do the hard work first. If timed just right, you can use the current both ways for an easy paddle. That is exactly what I did Thursday.

PADDLE TO EDDOS HARBOR

I launched at 11:50 am from the Antioch marina. I packed lunch, some snacks and plenty of water for the trip. I figured I'd be out there 5 or 6 hours but always bring extra items just in case. My safety equipment included paddle float, bilge pump, extra clothing, phone and VHF radio. Water temperature is currently hovering between 57 and 59 degrees so I wore my dry pants, synthetic layers and paddle jacket.



As I left the marina I noticed more boats on the water than usual. There was also a large ship coming up river so I floated with current to let the ship pass and made my way across the river to paddle close to the shore of Kimball Island. High tide was predicted at 12:32 pm in Antioch so I knew I would have a couple hours to paddle with the tide helping me. I really made great time with the current. By the time I reached the entrance to Gallagher Slough, I had paddled 7 miles in 1 hour 35 minutes with an average speed of 4.4 mph and that was against a slight headwind.



The first half of the trip wasn't all that exciting. The northern shoreline is scenic until you get past Mayberry Slough and then it turns to rip rap until you reach Gallagher slough, a little over 3 miles away. It is always fun paddling under the Antioch bridge but other than that there isn't a lot to see until you reach Gallagher slough.

When I entered Gallagher slough I was greeted by 2 river otters swimming happily back and forth across the slough. There were also a couple of dozen coots and a few ducks keeping me company. The slough itself is about 1.5 miles in length and Eddos is located in the middle of it. A variety of trees lined the shore, some of them quite large. I made my way to the end of the
slough just as another ship was heading down river. I also noticed hundreds of snow geese and Ross geese flying above Bradford Island across the river from me. The Ross geese decided to fly to Sherman Island so I was treated to a spectacular show as they made their way across the river and over my head.

Eddos, located on the southeast side of Sherman Island, is a private RV campground and marina with a boat launch and small shop. I normally inquire within to get more information about the marinas I visit so I can share with you their offerings but it didn't look like the shop was open and I wanted to maintain social distancing. The one downside to this trip is there is nowhere to get out on the north shore, especially on an incoming tide, for nearly the entire 7 miles. I was able to land at their ramp to quickly grab my lunch out of the hatch but couldn't stay long because the ramp itself was busy with motor boats. By this time the tide was changing so I ate my lunch on the water as I floated down Gallagher slough.

I debated with myself as to which way I wanted to return to Antioch and decided to cross the river towards Big Break and follow the south shore of the San Joaquin home. With the breeze at my back and the current in my favor, I made good time once again down river. The wind had been coming from the east so thought I would have even more help getting home but it basically decide to quit so I had quiet waters and glass like conditions for this part of my journey. The return trip was uneventful but very peaceful. I didn't encounter a lot of wildlife other than some more coots and cormorants along the way. I made it back to the Antioch marina at 4 pm and felt refreshed and energized even though I was a bit tired.

This is a wonderful trip for those who enjoy long distance paddles and don't mind being stuck in your kayak for hours. I could have found a beach on the way back on West Island but decided to keep paddling. If you have questions about this trip or any others within the Delta, feel free to contact me. Hope to see you on the water soon! Keep paddling.

Please remember to support your local outfitters and shops during this time. I know many have had to close their doors and lay off employees. You can help us out by purchasing gift cards. I am currently offering 33% off gift cards that can be used for rentals, classes and tours. Enter save 33 for promo code. Gift cards never expire and I truly appreciate your support!

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Update Regarding Covid 19

I'm sure many of you like myself are sheltering in place to help stop the spread of the Covid 19 virus. My business, Delta Kayak Adventures has been shut down due to it not being an essential business which means my primary source of income has come to a screeching halt. Some of you are aware that I am also a guide for East Bay Regional Park District and due the the virus all programs have been cancelled until mid April at the earliest which eliminates another source of income. I know many are in a similar situation and my hope is that this virus will be contained or eliminated soon. In an attempt to generate income, I'm offering 33% off gift cards which never expire and can be used to purchase rentals,classes and tours. These are trying times but I know that we will get through this.

On the upside, I now have time to update my blog so I will be posting about past trips, future trips and kayaking or paddleboarding related topics. If you have questions about paddling the Delta, please contact me and I will be happy to share. Your question may even turn into a blog post.

I have also created a new Facebook Group called Paddle and Sail the Delta. I'm hoping to create a community made up of people who love to explore the Delta and to encourage fellow paddlers and sailors to share their experiences, photos and questions with the group.

We may not be able to paddle together at the moment but if you have your own kayak or paddleboard and proper safety equipment, I encourage you to get out on the water and enjoy our beautiful backyard. Check out my past posts about various trips you can do on your own and if you have questions or would like to schedule a future tour or class with us don't hesitate to contact me.

Stay safe and I hope to see you back on the water soon!

Year In Review - Favorite Photos of 2019

I haven't done this before but thought it would be cool to look back at the past year and share some of my most liked Instagram photos of the many memorable trips and tours of 2019. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

January 2019 - Memorable trips included a paddle to Sherman Island County Park with extremely high tides and a long distance paddle to Martinez from Antioch.

February 2019 included lots of bird viewing, in depth exploration of Kimball Island and a paddle to Collinsville from Antioch.

 March 2019 was nesting season for egrets, herons and cormorants. Many trips exploring waters near Antioch.

April 2019 was action packed with fishing, an amazing trip down the Black Canyon on the Colorado River and an intense ACA Instructor Development workshop where I was certified as an American Canoe Association Level 2 Instructor. Level 3 is next!

May 2019 was filled with paddles exploring the heart of the Delta. We paddled Mildred Island, Little Mandeville and Delta Meadow to name a few. It was also the beginning of River Camp for Kids season. Fun times!

 May 2019 included one of my favorite trips down the Mokelumne River on Wimpys Run! Lots of people enjoyed getting out on the Delta! More River Camp fun.

June 2019 I headed to San Diego to visit my daughter and was able to explore Lake Moreno which was gorgeous. As a guide for East Bay Regional Parks I was fortunate to lead trips to Brooks Island on San Francisco Bay.

July 2019 , family fun on the Delta and Lake Tahoe. We had an amazing tour to Lost Isle and a paddle around Hog Island.  It also marked the beginning of our SUP Yoga classes with Sandy Carmellini!

August 2019 was filled with a business trip to Lake Tahoe with my TRAK Kayak for a photo shoot, a gorgeous paddle to Marsh Creek and the best catch of the year!

September 2019 marked Delta Kayak Adventures as Best of the Delta
for watercraft rentals, lots of tours exploring more of the Delta with a trip to Van Syckle Island and an amazing turnout for Coastal Clean up.

 October 2019 brought calm and glassy conditions on the Delta. We had a great tour to Big Break and beyond from Antioch, amazing sunset paddles and trips to Delta Meadows. I also had an unforgettable paddle on Drakes Estero and made a new friend!

November 2019 Rosie and I did more exploring,  was able to paddle inside Winter Island for the first time and had an awesome adventure on our first Blue Friday to Sacramento Point.

December 2019 brought beautiful cloud formations over the Delta. We paddled Georgianna Slough, the Sacramento River and experienced spectacular sunsets!

2019 was a wonderful year filled with amazing adventures and memory making trips. I hope you will join me in 2020 and experience the many delights of paddling!

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