A Fun Afternoon Paddle With a View
San Rafael is a city located in the northern region of San Francisco Bay perfect for stand up paddle boards. During the time of the Spanish settlement, explorers and missionaries set up 21 missions in California to gain a foothold in the newly settled country. The city of San Rafael is the result of one of those early missions and California’s second northernmost one.
Founded in 1817 as an asistencia, or adjunct to Mission Dolores in San Francisco, San Rafael was created as a hospital mission, tending to the sick from Spanish settlements and natives alike.
From these humble beginnings, San Rafael grew into the bustling city it is today, full of street life, city sounds, and plenty to experience.
If SUP is your choice of activity, and we hope that it is, then San Rafael boasts one of the best outfitters in the region as well as a fun stretch of water to explore, places to eat, and a park to stop at and enjoy the sights from.
Join us on this virtual SUP tour of San Rafael to acquaint yourself with the area, feel inspired to explore, and most importantly, get on your paddle board and paddle the historic waterways surrounding San Francisco.
Let’s begin!
San Rafael, CA
-Perfect Paddles Travel Brief-
Best Time of Year to Visit:
Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit San Rafael for warm-weather paddle boardactivities is from late June to late September. (weatherspark.com)
Visa: “All travelers entering the United States from all other countries need a passport upon arrival (regardless of their country of citizenship). Permanent residents and foreign nationals may also need a U.S. visa. You must apply for a visa before you start your trip.” (www.usa.gov)
Flight distances from major cities to San Rafael (estimates):
New York City: 5hrs
Los Angeles: 1 hr
London: 11-12 hrs
Paris: 12-14 hrs
Dubai: 16-17 hrs
Istanbul: 14 hrs
Sydney: 24-20-36 hrs
Closest SUP Shop Along the Route:
101 Surf Sports, Alameda
Top Additional Attractions:
China Camp State Park: China Camp State Park is a state park in Marin County, California, surrounding a historic Chinese American shrimp-fishing village and a salt marsh. The park is located in San Rafael, California, on the shore of San Pablo Bay. It is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, scenic views, and open spaces.
Mission San Rafael Arcangel: Mission San Rafael Arcángel is a Spanish mission in San Rafael, California. It was founded in 1817 as a medical asistencia of Mission San Francisco de Asís. It was a hospital to treat sick Native Americans, making it Alta California's first sanitarium.
Museum of International Propaganda: Museum displaying political propaganda from more than 12 countries, including posters & memorabilia.
ArtWorks Downtown: Art Works Downtown is San Rafael's non-profit art center. “Art Works Downtown exists to broaden and deepen our community's engagement.
Member Deals Reminder:
As a member of Perfect Paddles, you will receive a discount at participating shops on our list. Because you know how to paddle, have skills, and want to spread the stoke of SUP, you deserve a break! Our Featured Member Deal Location on this journey is 101 Surf Sports in Alameda! To receive your discount, be sure to sign up at Perfect Paddles. And if you are a member, take advantage of this excellent opportunity to paddle with some of the best people in the SUP community!
101 Surf Sports
Much like the San Francisco area, San Rafael is characterized by its abundance of water to stand up paddle board and enjoy. Along the creeks and back-bays lay restaurants, tourist attractions, and public parks to stop, rest, and enjoy the views of the city.
But for our virtual tour, we have a specific launch point in mind. And a specific destination.
The journey begins at our featured SUP outfitter for this virtual tour: 101 Surf Sports. Across from San Rafael High School, 101 Surf Sports is situated on San Rafael Creek with a launch point featuring clear, calm waters and easy access to the bay.
Before we begin our journey, we suggest stopping into their shop to see their extensive inventory of SUP, windsurf, kayaks, outrigger canoes, surfboards, surf skis, and kiteboards. All from top name brands such as Starboard, Jimmy Lewis, Naish, SIC Maui, Surftech, Epic, Dakine, Carve Designs, and O'Neill.
Of course, if you are new to the sport of SUP or don’t own your own paddle board just yet, then be sure to contact 101, grab a rental, and head out into the creek!
After a short time searching through their exciting inventory, and your own stand up paddle board secured, it’s time to dump the paddle boards into the water and head to our first destination!
101 Surf Sports
Exciting Offers from 101 Surf Sports:
SUP Demo Program:
A try it before you buy it option! They have 2 options available to customers. From their site:
Option 1 - Our on-site demo program kicks into gear when you make a $100 non-refundable deposit. This deposit can be applied to the purchase of any stand up paddle board in the shop. We then will take out any paddle board you want to try and put it in the water behind the shop. The demo rides on each paddle board are 5-10 minutes in length. You have two months to keep coming back and trying boards. If you do not use the $100 within 2 months it expires. Once you decide on the board apply the $100 to the purchase price. This program is good for all our stand up paddle boards, including inflatables. When you demo on-site you can also demo paddles at no extra charge.
Option 2 - Rent to Buy. With the largest selection of surfing SUP's around, we are happy to rent the boards you want to try. While we can't promise we have every board available we do have a huge selection to choose from. You can apply 1 full day of your rental fee towards the purchase of that very same paddle board - or any other SUP.
This is no rental clunker but an inline ride from Jimmy Lewis, Naish, Starboard, Infinity, SIC Maui and More. You can repeat this process a second time. Doing so will create a $200 credit for you to use towards any board purchase. The $200 credit expires after 2 months. As part of the program you can also try boards in the water behind the shop on each of the 2 rental days. Using this program lets you try the boards in the venue where you will be paddling most often. we the
Tours
SUP the Gate:
Paddling under the Golden Gate Bridge should be on every paddler's bucket list. You never forget your first time paddling under this iconic structure that towers above you and only enhances the spectacular views of San Francisco and the Marin Headlands.
Join 101 Surf Sports as we 'SUP The Gate'. We'll ride the ebb current out towards Point Bonita Lighthouse, taking our time to enjoy this adventure. How far we get will depend on the group and the prevailing weather and sea conditions. It is possible that we will go all the way to Rodeo Beach and back if conditions are perfect. We will return with the flood tide, with the wind at our backs. Be prepared to ride a few bumps!
SUP Foil Lessons:
We are ready to help you get going with some SUP & Surf Foilboard lessons.
We are stoked on SUP foiling ourselves and so we’ve set up a new program to get you SUP foiling safely. The lessons are taught by first getting you up and riding behind a boat. This is the safest and fastest way to get the knowledge and experience to get you up and riding.
The lessons are 2 hours long and are taught out of Treasure Island 7 days a week on San Francisco Bay. The cost is $295 and you can add one additional person for $185. All gear is included. While we can provide a wetsuit as well it’s always nice if you have one to bring. There is an additional $50 charge for weekends to encourage weekday lessons. We have 2 time slots available each day - 12pm and 3:30pm. Choose the "Surf Foiling lessons" on the website.
San Rafael Yacht Harbor
Every journey needs a beginning. That time at the start where it is important to get used to the elements. The idea of heading towards a destination. And a time to understand your own skills on a SUP.
And the best place to do that is in a protected piece of water where the wind and the elements are often subtle.
Luckily for us, straight across the creek lies San Rafael Yacht Harbor.
Our first stop is just a short paddle away where we can take in our surroundings and see some magnificent vessels tied up in their slips.
Set your eyes on the sailboats and yachts as you make your way into the harbor. There you can stop for a short break and breath in the fresh salty air.
And if you’re hungry, pull your board onto the dock and make your way to a few local restaurants nearby including Pho Viet Harbor for some traditional Vietnamese food or Kabbabq Grill and Cafe for an authentic taste of Mediterraneanean.
Once you’re fueled up and comfortable on your board, it’s time to head to our main destination point - Pickleweed Park.
San Rafael Yacht Harbor
Pickleweed Park
First off, you’re probably thinking - why head here?
Well, Pickleweed offers the perfect distance for an adventure. It boasts a landing spot that is open to the general public. And offers some pretty amazing views of the bay.
Plus, if you neglected to grab some food while taking a break at the yacht club, you can make your way down to Restaurant El Salvadoreño. Grab a taste of authentic cuisine from El Salvador.
The route begins as we exit the yacht club and keep the shoreline on our right. As we move down the creek you will see apartment buildings, restaurants, plenty of hustling city life, and the beginning of what will become the expansive views of the bay.
Getting closer to Pickleweed now, you can also opt to head straight across the creek and into the Marin Yacht Club for a sheltered place to rest and compare the yachts you see here with the ones previously viewed at the San Rafael Yacht Harbor.
If you decide to keep to the original plan, you should be able to see Pickleweed in view. Approaching the wide-open green grass you will see a few docks that you can use to pull up to, and head into the park. For the more adventurous types, you can also pick a spot along the rocks to stop. Though we do not recommend this method as it can cause injury to you and your board.
Once safely ashore, grab a spot on the grass, check out the distant skyline of San Rafael, the sun bouncing off the expansive bay, and most importantly - relax.
Enjoy the park, go for a walk, take in the sights, and of course, have a little fun before heading back.
Pickleweed Park
The Return
After you spend a relaxing afternoon at the park, it’s time to return to our original launch point at 101 Surf Sports on our stand up paddle boards.
Our route back will look much the same. It's important to stay on the right side of the creek for our return paddle.
Head back you will most likely see much of the same sights as you did on our way to Pickleweed. However, if you need a break or want to check out another yacht club, there is one halfway back called Lowrie Yacht Harbor.
Much like our previous stops, Lowrie is a great place to rest up, relax, and take in the views of the stunning yachts and sailboats surrounding the docks.
After this short break, it’s only a quick paddle back into 101 Surf Sports and the conclusion of our virtual stand up paddle board tour.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this short trip through San Rafael Creek. This route is truly beginner-friendly and a great way to learn how to stand up paddle board. And how to stand up paddle board for distance with plenty of places to take a break and see the sights.
Of course, we highly recommend talking to the expert team at 101 Surf Sports before heading out.
If you have any questions about this trip, need additional places to go, or wish to check out our featured outfitter, be sure to reach out! Our inbox is always open. And of course, if you wish to see additional articles just like this one about paddling, become a Member today! In addition to a wealth of paddling information, you’ll be able to save money on rentals, lessons, and paddling gear from outfitters around the globe. Until next time, keep the stoke for SUP alive and get out there!
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