As I stop paddling and just allow my senses to appreciate what I am experiencing, it is a reminder of why I would never choose to live far from the water. I listen to the aeolian sound of the wind over the sea, it’s hum so different and serene when you are sitting atop the waves compared to when your feet are touching land. The sky is a calm blue and the sun is out.
Just hours prior, it had been cold and overcast. Looking toward the San Francisco skyline, partially shrouded in chilly gray, I am reminded of how spoiled we are in Alameda when it comes to weather. Our cloudy days often clear up and sunshine washes over our island. Most often, it is a comfortable “carry a light jacket or sweater” feel, rather than a sweltering heat.
I pick up my paddle and take back control of my vessel from the gentle current. With each stroke, the paddle blades piercing the ethereal expanse, I feel the power of the water, which can be gentle and soothing, yet a force able to carve through stone. At the same time, as I propel myself through the sea, pushing against the resistance of the shimmering water, I sense my own power as well. However, wanting to continue to take in all the sights and sounds, I take a decidedly leisurely pace. It seems that the gulls are scolding, staking claim to their territory, the dozens of fishermen casting their lines from the shore.
Suddenly, I hear the roar of a motor, combined with sounds akin to water spewing from a fire hydrant, closing in from behind. I barely turn when my peripheral vision catches the source, a hydrofoil boat flies by and is ahead in the distance in a matter of seconds. Seeing it seemingly float above the water would have been a cool sight from a distance on the shore, but sharing space with and seeing the vessel so near was exhilarating.
On a beautiful day last week, my daughter Makenzie and I explored a portion of the waterfront by kayak with our Sea Trek Kayak Pro and Host/Instructor Guide Laura. Our venture began with a safety lesson taught by Steve, the Sea Trek Alameda Base Manager. Steve keeps local operations running smoothly, but his knowledge extends beyond the waters surrounding Alameda—he is also Director of Baja Programs. Yes, you can also explore the Sea of Cortez with Sea Trek.
After our safety lesson, Steve turned us over to Laura, who took us into the gear room to get us fitted with whatever we felt we needed for our session. They have everything you can imagine to keep you warm, dry, and safe in a watercraft, and every size, from tot to adult, is provided.
Sea Trek also has invested in Alameda’s waterfront with a newly expanded and improved dock, which we then headed down to. Steve had our kayaks ready. We picked up paddles and after a few more instructions from Laura, we selected a route, each slipped into our kayaks and off we went. As we paddled out of the Ballena Isle Marina Harbor and into the bay, Laura, who likely has been on the water thousands of times, speaks the words that I am thinking—that we are reminded of how small we are in comparison to the vastness of the water around us. How telling it is, when someone finds joy and awe in something they’ve seen and experienced numerous times and how fortunate it is for us to have that same opportunity to become a part of the water that surrounds Alameda via Sea Trek’s many kayak or stand-up paddle board options, including classes and tours.
We took in views of the west end of the Alameda shoreline, including the massive USS Hornet. On the water, views of the Bay Area shoreline are unobstructed, allowing you to scan the horizon to San Francisco and down the peninsula. Laura has been paddling since she was a teen and she has a passion that you can hear in her conversation about kayaking. She is attentive and does regular check-ins, both of which ensure a safe and enjoyable outing, great for beginners and children. When we returned to the Sea Trek dock, we had paddled two miles and were already planning for another trip to explore more.
Following our kayaking trip, I sought out and spoke with Galen, Sea Trek’s CEO. His father founded the company 42 years ago. In 2017, Galen and his wife Kiki purchased Sea Trek, continuing the family legacy. Putting a name to the conservation and community commitment the company has always had, in 2017 they launched Sea Trek Cares, which promotes, encourages and provides “…increased opportunities for greater community involvement and collaboration for bay conservation and stewardship.”
As a mom raising her family in Alameda, it’s gratifying to have a company come to Alameda that wants to give back to the community. As an active mom with an active family, I am appreciative that Galen has put a lot of thought into providing the safest experience possible so the entire family is able to participate in activities together. As a working mom, I consider it a great benefit that any gear needed is already included in the activity cost.
Alameda is an island city, surrounded by water. To have easy, safe, and plentiful access to those waters is an opportunity to be experienced.
Sea Trek, welcome to Alameda.
Contributing writer Denise Lum is a Health and Fitness Coach raising her family in Alameda. Contact her via [email protected] or FitnessByDsign.com. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Denise-Lum.
