Bay Area Sea Kayakers (BASK) is a non-profit 501(c7) sports club of several hundred sea kayakers who live throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our interests include flat-water paddling, kayak-surfing, expeditions, and playing amongst the rocks, in conditions that range from mild to wild. Our club exists to bring paddlers together for companionship, safety, education, exploration, learning, and great food and drink! We're committed to safety both on and off the water, and our club holds insurance through Paddlesports Risk Management. We offer an inexpensive annual Skills Clinic to members, as well as numerous free clinics on skills, rescue, and safety throughout the year. We welcome as members all individuals interested in kayaking. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive paddling club and to sharing our enthusiasm, skills, and knowledge to increase equity and access to our sport.
BASK trips range from local to international, and are all member-initiated with shared responsibilities for safety. BASK does not supply boats or equipment, although some members are willing to share their equipment. You have to be a member or a guest of a member to participate in on-the-water BASK events and a signed activity waiver is required. Follow the links to learn more about the benefits of membership and to join BASK.
We invite you to attend one of our monthly meetings, either online or in person. They are free and open to the public; in-person meetings include food (suggested donation $8-10). The format of each meeting may vary a bit month to month, but they tend to include members sharing stories, featured speakers, club news, and information about upcoming events. It’s a great way to meet club members and learn about paddling opportunities. For more information see the Events page!
Would you like to speak at a BASK meeting or have an idea for a speaker? Contact the Speaker Seekers. Interested in what type of speakers we’ve had in the past? See a representative list of previous general meeting topics.
BASK Health Guidelines
For the safety of participants at all BASK paddles and other in-person activities, please stay home and join us another time if:
- You're experiencing symptoms of any communicable respiratory illness
- You're testing positive for COVID-19, even if you're feeling well
- In the past week, you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19 via shared air
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within a week of attending an in-person BASK activity, please let the event initiator know. This will allow the initiator to inform other participants, who can then choose to self-test or take other precautions such as obtaining pharmaceutical COVID-19 treatments if they develop symptoms.
Next BASK General Meeting: Wednesday, June 25 (Virtual)
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: Zoom Meeting (invitation will be posted on the BASK calendar on the day of the meeting).
About: Catch up on club news, learn about upcoming paddles and events, get updates on the 2025 Skills Clinic, see who won the Paddle Planner of the Month contest, and enjoy what is sure to be a fascinating adventure talk by this month’s speakers on their experience paddling the entire San Francisco Bay!
Featured Speakers: Dallas Smith and Liz Wilhelm on Circumnavigating the SF Bay Area Water Trail by kayak.Stay tuned to Currents and the BASK Calendar for more details.
Dallas Smith:
With over 20 years of guiding experience across 20+ states, Dallas is a seasoned outdoor professional known for leading groups through the stunning landscapes of Point Reyes and beyond. Raised on a family-owned campground, his lifelong passion for nature extends into his personal adventures and professional work. A committed environmentalist and community volunteer, he has served on the board of the Tomales Bay Foundation since 2016 and supports various local initiatives focused on conservation and education. When not guiding or volunteering, Dallas is a skilled kayak repair technician, photographer, and co-host of the West Marin Naturalist Hour on KWMR 90.5FM. His certifications include Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator, ACA Level 4 Open Ocean Kayak Instructor, and Certified California Naturalist.
Liz Wilhelm:
Liz Wilhelm brings over 15 years of guiding experience in Point Reyes, backed by a degree in Eco-Tourism and Adventure Travel and a lifelong passion for exploration. What began as an internship in the area has evolved into a career that combines adventure, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Alongside her work in the outdoors, Liz draws on more than two decades as a certified massage therapist and yoga instructor, integrating wellness into every aspect of her life and leadership. A co-host of the West Marin Naturalist Hour on KWMR 90.5FM, Liz is also an active local volunteer and a familiar, welcoming face in the community. Her certifications include Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator, ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor, and Certified California Naturalist.
We look forward to seeing you on Zoom!The Zoom link for the meeting will be posted in the calendar at least a half hour before start time. Please do not post or forward the link. Login to Zoom with your full name so the moderators know who you are. If we don’t recognize you we might not let you in.
Have a question or something you would like to add to the agenda? Email Brad at Brad.Findlay@bask.org.
