Third Annual Kayaking for Oakland's St. Elizabeth Elementary School Completed Saturday November 23

 

After three days of high winds, storm and small craft advisories on SF Bay, weather cleared enough for my 2024 Kayaking for St. Elizabeth voyage on Saturday 23 November.

At 9:50 AM, three hours before low tide, I launched off Alameda’s Southshore Beach at Willow Street and Shoreline Drive. Southerly breeze and SF Bay's bouncing chop coming on shore SSW made it impractical to take pictures while heading north toward the end of Alameda Island. You can follow my journey through the pictures I was able to take after conditions lightened up:

Rain clouds passing while crossing the old NAS Alameda ship channel, past the breakwater at the SW tip of Alameda. San Francisco and the Bay Bridge in the background. 

Last stretch of open-water paddling along the end of Alameda. Bay waters begin to calm compared to the waters on the first hour and a half of the voyage (Port of Oakland Outer Harbor in the distance). 

A squall hits, San Francisco in the background, while making the turn to enter the Oakland Estuary

Entering the sheltered waters of the Estuary, Port of Oakland Inner Harbor container docks to the left.

Passing Coast Guard Island heading for the Park, Fruitvale and High Street Bridges

Smooth paddling through the narrows approaching the High Street Bridge before entering San Leandro Bay to go around Alameda’s eastern shore.

San Leandro Bay’s sheltered expanse ending in marshes at its eastern end. The Oakland Coliseum Complex and hills in the distance

Heading out of San Leandro Bay ready to pass under the Bay Farm Island Bridge

After paddling NW along Alameda Southshore Beach, the final approach to the launch point. Back on dry land after 4 hours and 45 minutes on the water.

2024 Kayaking for St. Elizabeth route showing 15.15 miles (courtesy Google Maps)

How to Donate to St. Elizabeth Elementary School

Please join me in supporting St. Elizabeth. Donating on-line is easy by going to the school’s website and clicking on Donate button on the upper right of the home page.

https://saintelizabeth.us

Donations may also be mailed directly to St. Elizabeth:

St. Elizabeth Elementary School

Attn: Kayaking for St. Elizabeth

1516 33rd Avenue

Oakland CA 94601

Feel free to note if your donation is in memory of someone special to you connected to SE or to designate a specific need (i.e. tuition assistance, CYO, art, math, science, etc.).

Thanks!

Frank Matarrese

St. Elizabeth Elementary School Class of 1969