The Berkeley Marina probably has as much soul as any windsurfing spot in the Bay area. More windsurfing history has been created here than anyone can imagine. Out of Berkeley has come many creative ideas which have evolved into today's cutting-edge racing tools. It started with the cable-stiffened boom and resulted in the development of the on-the-fly adjustable outhaul now used by most World Cup racers. And one of the best windsurfing schools in the nation, Cal Adventures, is located at the Berkelely Marina. It's a place where both beginner and expert alike can find some great conditions.

When it happens
The Berkeley Marina has an impressively long windsurfing season. It usually starts to blow around March or April and the season can last through September. If the city front is fogged-in, chances are the Berkeley Marina is working. What really turns Berkeley on is a straight westerly wind flow. This drives the wind straight across the bay and it tends to intensify and focus as it moves toward Berkeley. Also, a westerly wind flow serves to push up the wave height so you get some really well developed swells.

What are the conditions like?
Spring winds range from 4.0 to 6.0. Summer winds are a bit lighter and range from 4.5 up to 6.5. It can be a little light getting off the launching pier sometimes, so it's nice to rig a size up. Also, because the wind is straight onshore you can get away with rigging a bigger sail. The further you move out into the bay the windier the conditions become.

How's the temperature?
Cool to cold in the early Spring, warming considerably as the season progresses into the summer. The water temperature is considerably warmer than the city front, but most people still wear full wetsuits even in the summer. Though if you're hanging in close to the shoreline it's quite a bit warmer.

Getting there
From I-80: Take the University Avenue exit Stay left as you enter the Marina. The launch dock and the Cal Sailing Club are located on the left hand side as you come in. The other rigging area at His Lordship's is located at the end of the road.