A Local’s Guide to Premier Spots
Alameda – Crown Beach
Perfect for Beginners to Intermediate
- Wind Direction: W/WNW
- Best Winds: 15-25 knots
- Tides: Best 2 hours before high tide to 2 hours after
- Ideal For:
- Learning fundamentals
- Protected water practice
- Basic foiling progression
- Special Considerations:
- Watch for shallow areas during low tide
- Afternoon thermal winds reliable June-September
- Parking at Crown Beach lots
- Launch from designated areas only
Point Isabel (Berkeley)
Intermediate to Advanced
- Wind Direction: WSW/W
- Best Winds: 15-25 knots
- Tides: Works all tides, best mid to high
- Ideal For:
- Intermediate progression
- Light wind foiling
- Afternoon sessions
- Features:
- Consistent summer winds
- Good parking
- Multiple launch options
- Less crowded than other spots
3rd Avenue (San Mateo)
Intermediate to Expert
- Wind Direction: WNW/NW
- Best Winds: 17-28 knots
- Tides: Mid to high tide only
- Ideal For:
- Experienced foilers
- Strong kiters
- Afternoon thermal sessions
- Watch Out For:
- Shallow areas
- Gusty conditions
- Limited launching area
- Crowded on prime days
Sherman Island
All Levels (Different Zones)
- Wind Direction: W/WSW
- Best Winds: 15-25 knots
- Tides: All tides workable
- Ideal For:
- Multi-day progression
- Consistent summer conditions
- Both wing and kite
- Features:
- Reliable Delta winds
- Large riding area
- Different zones for various skills
- Camping available
Treasure Island
Intermediate to Expert
- Wind Direction: W/WNW
- Best Winds: 18-28 knots
- Tides: Mid to high tide
- Ideal For:
- Advanced riders
- Strong wind sessions
- Urban backdrop riding
- Hazards:
- Strong currents
- Boat traffic
- Variable wind shadows
- Limited launch areas
Safety Considerations by Location
Crissy Field
- Required Skills:
- Strong upwind ability
- Self-rescue proficiency
- Current navigation experience
- Cold water experience
- Safety Equipment:
- Marine radio recommended
- Bright visibility gear
- Impact vest
- Cold water wetsuit
Alameda
- Required Skills:
- Basic water starts
- Wind awareness
- Basic self-rescue
- Safety Equipment:
- Standard impact vest
- Wetsuit
- Whistle
Point Isabel
- Required Skills:
- Intermediate upwind ability
- Current awareness
- Launch/landing skills
- Safety Equipment:
- Impact vest
- Wetsuit
- Visible gear
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-August)
- Most reliable conditions
- Strongest thermal winds
- Crowded prime spots
- Consistent afternoon sessions
Fall (September-November)
- Variable conditions
- Some excellent days
- Less crowded
- Watch for storm systems
