Kayak Course Information

May 1, 2019

2019 Bay Parade kayak

Registration is now closed

Sunday, August 11, 2019 | San Francisco, CA

Event Details

Course   Event Schedule  |  Parking & Transport  |  Kayaks

 Safety |  Costumes |  Golden Rivet Award  |  After Party  |  Age & Payment Details 

COURSE DETAILS: Kayakers will launch from Pier 40 and be led by our course guides to loop around the area between Pier 32 and Pier 38, and then back to Pier 40. Kayakers will then paddle south to McCovey Cove. Paddlers will meet up with swimmers and boaters in McCovey Cove to join the Bay Parade finale. This finale is filmed and broadcast on the Jumbotron at the start of Sunday's Giants' home game. Following the finale, kayakers will return to Pier 40 to exit and return their gear to City Kayak. The paddle is approximately 2 miles and lasts 1.5 hours. Afterwards, kayak and stand-up paddleboard participants are invited to join the Bay Parade After Party where food and drinks will be available.

Bay Parade Grand Finale

Paddlers will participate in the Grand Finale along with swimmers and boaters. Onlookers and supporters can cheer on Bay Parade participants along the walking pier at 12:45pm on the day of the Parade, August 11.

Finale Map

PARKING & TRANSPORT: We strongly encourage to you take public transit. Here are public transit directions to Oracle Park, which is a few minutes walk from Pier 40. 

If driving, you may want to consider using a website such Park Whiz or Parkopedia to reserve a parking spot in advance as parking is very limited. Visit this site for Oracle Park surface parking lots.

Below are paid parking garages within walking distance of Pier 40:

  • Park - the Beacon, 250 King Street: 8 minute walk
  • Bayside - Lot 26, 28 The Embarcadero: 7 minute walk
  • CH Parking - Jasper, 43 Lansing Street: 14 minute walk
  • TOWNE, 350 2nd Street: 13 minute walk
  • California Parking, 470 Brannan Street: 12 minute walk
  • Valet, 424 Brannan Street: 11 minute walk
  • DELTA, 574 Harrison Street: 11 minute walk

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Exact timing is subject to change. Detailed instructions will be emailed to participants prior to the event.

10:00-10:30am - Paddler check-inKayakers in the Bay Parade

10:30-11:30am - Paddler training and safety presentation

11:30am - Paddle launch

12:30pm - Paddlers regroup outside breakwater of McCovey Cove

12:45pm - Paddlers participate in the Bay Parade Grand Finale in McCovey Cove

1:00-1:15pm - Paddlers return to Pier 40 to drop off kayaks/SUPs and exit the water

1:30-3:30pm - Bay Parade After Party

KAYAKS: Kayak rental is included with registration. If you are bringing your own kayak, you can receive $25 off the registration fee. Note that if you are bringing your own kayak, you must arrange transportation for your gear to and from Pier 40. After the paddle, you may bring your kayak to the after party area where there will be a designated location for your gear. Please do not leave any gear unattended at Pier 40.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS: Paddling in San Francisco Bay can be challenging. Please be sure you are comfortable with this on-the-water experience.

If you are interested in gaining experience kayaking in the Bay prior to the Bay Parade, City Kayak will offer 20% off a group kayak lesson for Bay Parade participants. Please email events@baykeeper.org to inquire.

  • Remain with the group when out on the water, and follow instructions from paddle guides and safety support boats. Stay together to ensure you are following the correct course.
  • Please stay several feet away from the piers.
  • Please ensure you can kayak at least at 1.5 knots per hour.
  • Please stay at least 5 feet away from any motorized vessel to protect yourself from their boat wake. If you see an upcoming boat wake the most stable way to deal with it is to paddle directly into the oncoming waves and to continue to paddle as your pass over them.
  • Motorized vessels often have limited visibility and maneuverability. Stay out of their shipping lanes which are indicated by red and green buoys. If you need to cross into their lanes please do so quickly.
  • Please be visible and stay alert.

COSTUMES & DECORATIONS: The Bay Parade is a celebration of a clean and healthy Bay, and costumes are encouraged! Love seals? Dress up like one! Have a purple wig? Throw it on! Kayakers will also be provided a Bay Parade flag to display on the water.

GOLDEN RIVET AWARD: The Golden Rivet recognizes the fastest solo swimmer, fastest swim team, and biggest parade fundraiser from each year's Bay Parade. Kayakers are eligible to compete for the fundraising category. Winners' names are engraved on the Golden Rivet plaque. There will be other exciting prizes for all fundraising participants who reach certain fundraising targets.

Plus, the 2019 Golden Rivet Award winners will be invited to attend the Giants game on Monday night, August 26, for an in-game ceremony celebrating the Bay Parade. Winners will be on camera from the stands and featured on the Jumbotron as part of the recognition ceremony.

PARTY: The Bay Parade After Party takes place within walking distance of the course finish, at South Beach Park from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Paddle registration includes one ticket to the party. Additional party tickets are available for purchase for $50 each.

UNDERAGE PARTICIPANTS: Bay Parade participation is open to those under the age of 18 only with advance approval. Please email events@baykeeper.org to secure approval before registering. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied at the event by a parent or guardian. Registering minors must also have a parent or guardian electronically sign the event waiver agreement in the registration form.

PAYMENT DETAILS: Due to the nature and complexity of this event, there will be no refunds, including if event is cancelled due to weather or it is modified at the discretion of event organizers to maintain the safety of all participants. Please note that Bay Parade registration fees and Bay Parade Party ticket purchases are not tax deductible. If you made a separate additional gift, it is fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For your records, San Francisco Baykeeper is a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax ID number 68-0120240.

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Thank you to our 2019 Bay Parade sponsors:

Bay Parade Sponsors 2019

Swim Across AmericaBay Parade Sponsors

Photos by Drew Bird Photo

 
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