Larkspur Landing is an interesting place to windsurf. Where else can you ride a wave when you’re 20 miles inland?! When the SF ferry come roaring into port, a roling two foot wave is created along the silty shallows of Larkspur. Rides of nearly half a mile are possible.

When it happens
Larkspur is a summertime place. It usually starts to blow around early June and the season can last through mid-September. If the city front is fogged-in, changes are good that Larkspur is working. What really turns Larkspur on is a more south westerly flow. A south westerly flow sets the fog bank up along Hwy 101 and allows the wind to funnel through the gap. So when inland temperatures creep up into the 100’s, and the city stays fogged-in all day, Larkspur Landing is a good call.

What are the conditions like?
Summer winds range from 6.0 down to 4.5. It can be a little light getting off the beach sometimes, so it’s nice to rig a size up. Also, because the water is relatively smooth, you can get away with rigging a bigger sail. Toward the far end of the channel the water gets even smoother. It’s a great place to drag race with a buddy.

How's the temperature?
Cool in the early summer to mild in the middle of summer. The water temperature is considerably warmer than other parts of the bay. A shortie is recommended throughout the summer. And when the fog really pushes in, a full suit is nice.

Getting there
Larkspur Landing is located directly adjacent to the entrance of San Quentin penitentiary.

From 101 north or south: Exit at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Go east on Sir Francis Drake until you reach the rigging area for Larkspur Landing (which is clearly visible from the road).

From the Richmond Bridge: Take the Sir Francis Brake Boulevard exit and proceed west until you reach the Larkspur Landing rigging area (about a mile from the exit).