Windsurfing in Marin can be a tricky thing. With mount Tamalpais looming in the wind line, trying to judge which direction the wind is blowing isn't always easy. If the wind is southwesterly, Larkspur Landing is usually the call. But Larkspur doesn't work on a northwest wind. So what to do then? Rod & Gun Club is a savior for North Bay sailors who don't want to make the trek into San Francisco. Rod & Gun Club can get really good on a northwest wind, making it a popular destination during strong northwesterly flows.

When it happens
Rod & Gun Club works best in the early to mid-spring. This is because the prevailing wind is from the northwest during this time period. Rod & Gun Club is perfectly situated to pickup the northwesterly winds which funnel across the San Rafael Bay. As summer approaches and the wind becomes more thermally driven, it tends to come from a more westerly or southwesterly direction and Rod & Gun Club begins to shut down.

What are the conditions like?
It can get really windy. During strong northwesterly flows a 4.0 to 4.5 is a common sail size. Even during average days the biggest sails used typically aren't more than 5.5. Because there is a fairly large fetch between the Loch Lomond yacht harbor across the bay and the Rod & Gun Club, there can be some pretty sizable chop. The further you sail out into the bay the bigger the chop becomes. Right off of Point San Question is also a nice place to find some well formed chop, but for safety reasons try to avoid getting too close to the bridge.

How's the temperature?
Cold most of the sailing season. A full wetsuit is necessary and booties and a hood are nice to have for added warmth. Although the water does begin to warm as summer approaches, the wind tends to be gone by then.

Getting there
From the East Bay: Take the Richmond Bridge west and take the first exit after crossing the bridge, Francisco Blvd. The parking lot for the Rod & Gun Club is about 200 feet from the exit ramp and is clearly visible from the road.

From Marin: Take either Sir Francis Drake Blvd or Francisco Blvd east. If you take Sir Francis Drake Blvd exit on the last exit before entering the San Rafael Bridge, which deposits you onto San Quentin Street. Circle under the freeway and you'll see the parking lot for the Rod & Gun Club on the right hand side of the road. It is clearly visible and well marked.