Alameda is a unique and interesting place to windsurf. Located well within the San Francisco Bay, its water is somewhat tame and protected, which makes it an ideal place for learning to windsurf. Additionally, since Alameda is located in the East Bay the launch is from starboard tack. There are miles of imported white sand, and the water remains shallow and warm for at least a hundred yards from shore.

When it happens
Because Alameda is located across the bay, it is well beyond the summer fog layer. So the summer is typically windy and there is little fog. Alameda can get wind as early as April, but it is most consistent May through September. The winter south winds are consistent at Alameda as well. So it is rapidly becoming a popular spot during the pre-frontal winds of winter. The winter south winds typically begin in mid-November and can last through March.

What are the conditions like?
During a typical summer day conditions are 5.5 to 6.5. The wind can be lighter near shore, but as you move out into the bay it gets stronger. There can be some large chop on the outside because it has had the length of the bay to develop. However, the chop is usually dissipated on the outside sandbar and even during a strong blow the inside section near the beach remains somewhat smooth and flat. The water is very shallow at Alameda. This makes it an ideal place to learn to windsurf and one of the Bay Area’s finest windsurfing schools is located here.

How's the temperature?
Cool to somewhat warm during the summer. Because the water is so shallow near the shore it can get rather warm, especially during the summer months. The water gets colder the further out you get from the beach. Because Alameda is situated further inland, air temperatures are warmer than many other bay area spots. A shortie is recommended during the summer for protection against the wind, but it is not uncommon to find people windsurfing in trunks alone.

Getting there
Alameda is located just to the north of Oakland Airport.

From the 880 (either from the north or the south): Exit on 29th Avenue. There are street signs posted for Alameda. Head west on 29th over the bridge (Alameda is an island). Once you cross the bridge 29th becomes Park Street. Proceed on Park until you reach the beach. Make a right on Shore Line Drive. Follow Shore Line until you reach the entrance of Robert Crown Memorial State Beach. This is the main windsurfing area.