The bay is beckoning — here are six ways to get some sun, exercise and have a ton of fun on the water this summer.
Pedal Power
San Francisco–based Spinout fitness is the Bay Area’s first water bike and fitness club — yes, you read that correctly. Founded by former fashion photographer Damien McCloud after a serious car accident in Hawaii, Spinout is a unique, on-the-water fitness experience using Sausalito’s Schiller Bikes. “After the accident, I wanted something that required no skill or balance, but would keep me active and joyful. I found water biking and six months later I was in the best shape of my life,” says McCloud. Even if you aren’t a fan of biking on dry land, this one-of-a-kind water-based experience will have you coming back for more.
Come Sail Away
Captain Zorah Rose describes herself as a social artist — Boston-born with a West Coast heart. After more than 430 days of sailing over the course of eight years — that’s more than a year spent on the water — she became one with her boat and the bay and founded Creative Concierge SF. She now provides guided sail tours and private charters, including full moon, sunrise and sunset sails. You can be involved with the sailing itself, or kick back and enjoy the views with Rose at the helm. “I do it for the light I see in people’s faces. I’ve always valued people over possessions, and that light I see when we’re out on the water, that’s what I value,” she says.
Life Illuminated
“The bioluminescence tour is the bucket list item you didn’t know you had,” says Dallas Smith, operations manager at Blue Waters Kayaking. From birding to bioluminescence, Blue Waters Kayaking is a mecca for those looking to explore the great outdoors with a paddle in hand. Owned and operated by John and Pamalah Granatir and located in Point Reyes Station with a secondary location on the beach at Lake Sonoma, Blue Waters can take you on the water for your first lesson, an oyster-catered excursion or a multinight camping and kayaking trip — it’s up to you.
Join the Club
Once a full-time worker in Bay Area product management Canadian-born Leigh Hunt decided to make a life of sailing, and in 2014 bought Modern Sailing School & Club in Sausalito. In operation since 1983, the Modern Sailing Club offers a robust fleet of sailboats and catamarans for renting and giving lessons. “We have a bulk of sailing courses — the goal is really to empower people to grab the boats and go,” says captain Kira Maixner. Get your feet wet with a lesson and you might just find yourself a bona fide club member before long, out for social sails and club drinks — after docking, of course.
Grab a Paddle
Founded by Bob Licht in 1982, Sea Trek was the first commercial kayaking business in California. Still in the family, Sea Trek is now run by Licht’s son, Galen, and offers classes, trips and rentals for kayaking and paddleboard adventures. Picture yourself kayaking through the vibrant protected waters of Richardson Bay or paddleboarding underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Call Sea Trek and make it reality. “Paddleboarding is very therapeutic, especially during these times. With it you get outside time and also a sense of community,” says Jules Gismondi, operations, fitness and membership manager at Sea Trek.
Members Only
SailTime San Francisco Bay offers you a chance to operate a luxury sailing craft without having to buy the boat outright. Structured like a lease, fractional memberships give members access to a specific craft, shared by only a handful of other members. SailTime is American Sailing Association–certified and offers lessons to those still learning or perfecting their skills. Says owner and captain Lisa Chapin, “Most of our members have had previous sailing experience, but we also get new sailors and prudent dreamers and offer custom private lessons aboard our SailTime boat.” Why buy when you can share?
