Last Thursday Mark and I headed down the coast, and into the sunshine, for the Bay Area Paddlefest. We took our time and spent an evening in Healdsburg, a charming town in the heart of wine country. We spent the incredibly warm evening swimming in an outdoor pool, walking to the Plaza area of the town and tasting local food and beverages.

The following morning we drove to Alameda where we hunted down a yoga studio and had time to squeeze in a class before making our way to the Encinal Boat Ramp for a semi-private rolling class in the afternoon. After the class we went to California Canoe and Kayak to catch up with friends before the event that would take place for the next two days.

The Bay Area Paddlefest is California’s largest paddlesports expo. It takes place on the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont. It is a great place to try kayaks, SUPs and canoes. Classes were offered throughout the day, and Mark and I ran four rolling clinics and a rescue and recovery clinic throughout the weekend. It was fantastic to be in the sun, and rumors were that the high temperature of the weekend was 92 degrees.

Warm up.

Therese sets up for the Shotgun Roll.

Kathy learns the Balance Brace.

Sean plays with the paddling ergometer.

Mark and Jared chat about Kokatat gear.

This year's challenge was to roll a surfski. Yes, it's possible.

Thanks to the organizers of the event for having us there, and we’ll see you next year!