Journal

5 San Francisco Water Sports to Try This Summer

September 5, 2019

Since the water in Northern California tends to be pretty cold the rest of the year, we highly recommend taking advantage of the slightly warmer aquatic temperatures during the summer and fall months. And, if the water is still too cold for your liking, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water without actually getting wet. Here are five water sports/activities you can try in San Francisco this summer.

1. Kayaking

Living at The Harrison puts you in a prime location to try out this water sport. Right next to SoMa in South Beach, you can rent a kayak from City Kayak Friday through Monday. Paddle out behind Oracle Park, underneath the Bay Bridge, and experience downtown San Francisco from an entirely new point of view. City Kayak offers lessons for beginners and guided tours if you’d rather paddle with a group.

2. Sailing

Choose your own sailing adventure—from an adventurous 18-footer boat to a more cruiselike vessel—and enjoy being out on the open water in the bay. You can learn how to sail through a local instructor like OCSC Sailing School or opt for dinner and drinks on a less bumpy, more relaxed ride.

3. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

A photo-worthy activity (as long as you have a waterproof camera attached to your body) that also gives you a full-body workout and simultaneously lets you enjoy the fresh air and salty sea. SUP is a challenging, yet fun, way to get your body moving and explore the Bay Area. How much time you spend in the water instead of on top of it is up to you (and how calm the water is). Plenty of places—including the aforementioned City Kayak—rent paddleboards and offer lessons for beginners.

4. Windsurfing

Just across the bay in Alameda, you can rent a windsurfing board and gear and take lessons if you’ve never tried the sport before. Windsurfing combines surfing with sailing and is a relatively easy sport to pick up. As long as you’re able to swim and have decent balance, you should have no problem giving windsurfing a try.

5. Kiteboarding

Glide along the Bay Area’s sparkling waters while learning the art of kiteboarding. A popular water sport in San Francisco, kiteboarding involves being harnessed to a large hand-controlled kite, combining elements of wakeboarding, surfing, snowboarding, sailing and paragliding. And, whether venturing to Crissy Field or Ocean Beach, you’re sure to find plenty of nearby spots to learn the ropes.

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