Kayaking on the Bay

Imagine a flat, calm lake with fish playfully jumping out of the water and birds gracefully flapping their wings as they glide through the air above. The wind is chilly, but a wetsuit keeps the cold air out. Perched atop a kayak, the frigid water splashing your face, but your limbs stay mostly dry. As your paddle slices through the still water, you feel the power of your blade pulling your through the water. Stroke after stroke, you glide along soaking up the wildlife scenery and breathing the fresh air.

Or if you're looking for a more extreme adventure, how about this scenario...drenched in icy cold water, you swoosh through head-high rapids and you swiftly launch down the fast-moving river. The scenery flashes by in a blur and you barely have time to notice because you're just trying to stay afloat. The sounds of birds are drown out by the rush of water and your hands are numb, but your heart is pounding with excitement. This could be you.

While waiting to hit the snow-covered slopes, there's still a little time to get in a last minute kayaking adventure. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced kayaker, the Bay Area has lots of exciting places to go paddling.

One place is the Mendocino coast, in northern California, where you can paddle on the 8-mile long Big River estuary. "Catch A Canoe & Bicycles, Too" rents canoes, outrigger canoes, kayaks paddles and lifejackets (800-320-BIKE).

A peaceful place to kayak about an hour north of San Francisco is Tomales Bay ("http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page..."). This area is filled with wildlife including a plethora of birds and is a true nature experience for all the sense. The sights of fish, the spell of blossoming flowers, the sounds of birds calling out to one another. It's a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you don't have a canoe or kayak, try renting one at REI ("http://www.rei.com") before you hit the road.

Closer to the city, take a trip over the scenic Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, which is a great starting point if you want to paddle around Angel Island or just stay close to shore and explore the bay. Sea Trek Kayaks ("http://www.seatrekkayak.com") rents kayaks and equipment and provides lessons for novice paddlers. They also provide guided trips. After paddling on the bay you can head into central Sausalito for a hot lunch to warm your bones after a cold excursion.

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