For some of the best ramps on the Bay, try 3rd Avenue. Situated at the southern most section of the Bay, the wind driven swells have nearly the entire fetch of the Bay to develop. When they unload on the shallow sandbars around 3rd Avenue the result is some really fun chop. There are good ramps on both starboard and port tack.

When it happens
3rd Avenue is best in the late spring and summer. When you see fog fingers creeping along 280, it's almost a sure bet that 3rd Avenue is happening. Because 3rd Avenue protrudes well out into the Bay, it tends to get wind earlier in the day than many of the other spots in the area. As well, the wind tends to hold up later in the day.

What are the conditions like?
Spring winds range from 5.5 down to 4.0. Summer is a bit lighter, with winds typically in the 6.0 to 4.5 range. The wind almost always fills in to the shore, so there's no need to rig bigger than necessary to get out to the wind line. About 100 feet from the shore you'll start to encounter the bigger chop. During stronger winds this chop may be well developed or even cresting and breaking at the top. As you move further out into the bay, and the water becomes deeper, the chop tends to subside.

How's the temperature?
Cool to cold in the spring, and warming considerably into the summer. Because 3rd Avenue is situated further into the bay, the water temperature is considerably warmer than other parts of the bay. A shortie is recommended throughout the summer. And during stronger blows, a full suit may be necessary.

Getting there
From Highway 101 north or south: A piece of cake. Take the 3rd Avenue exit in San Mateo. Go east on 3rd Avenue until you reach the water.The parking lot is a dirt road that dead-ends into the Bay. Park along either side of the dirt road.

Most people launch from the very end of the road, although it is possible to launch anywhere along the south side of the parking lot.