SUP + Kayak Operating Rules
You can be a guest for up to two times. After two introductory sessions, new paddlers are encouraged to join BRCC.
Paddler Requirements
Inside the marina: The paddler must be checked out by the Small Fleet Manager, Vice President or other club member designated by either of the above for the following abilities:
- Storage and handling of the boats.
- Basic operation and paddling skills.
- Basic understanding of right-of-way rules with respect to other boats in the marina.
- Sufficient swimming ability, with PFD, to reach shore in the event of a non-recoverable capsize or swamping.
Outside the marina: In addition to the above requirements, the paddler must be checked out by the Small Fleet Manager or BRCC Vice President for the following abilities:
- Kayak only: Demonstrated ability to perform a “wet exit” and recovery, consisting of exiting the kayak and bailing it out from the water after a capsize or swamping, and re-boarding without letting go of the paddle.
- Swimming ability as described in the BRCC Swimming Declaration form (tread water for ten minutes and swim 100 meters).
Rule 1
All paddlers (except the second paddler on a double kayak) are required to sign out a canoe using the online reservation system AND check in and out on the handwritten log sheet in the shed.
The Berkeley Marina WiFi key is: Berkeley Capital B, the rest lower case. If you’re on the dock and using the online system to sign a boat out, you can do it without data charges on your phone, or on a tablet that has wifi but no cell connectivity.
Only BRCC Members are allowed to reserve a canoe/kayak online.
All paddlers, including guests on a double kayak, are required to have a current liability waiver on file with BRCC.
Rule 2
Only BRCC members may paddle canoe/kayak or be the person in charge of a vessel. Exceptions can be arranged for participating in time trials supervised by the Small Fleet manager, a BRCC Coach, or person designated by either of the above. Exceptions may also be arranged for training sessions under the direct supervision of the Small Fleet Manager.
Rule 3 – Guests
BRCC Members are limited to hosting and supervising one (1) non-member guest at a time unless they are minors. Parents qualified as above may supervise two minor children in a double or two single kayaks only with advance authorization from the BRCC Board of Directors.
Guests can come two times and after that they are asked to join BRCC.
A non-member guest or a non-qualified BRCC member may paddle as one of the two paddlers in a two-person boat, or under very close supervision by a qualified BRCC member in a one-person boat. The BRCC host shall remain within close hailing distance of the supervised guest at all times
Minor Guests
Non-member youth who are under 18 years of age may only paddle a one-person kayak when they are closely supervised from another boat by a parent or guardian who is a BRCC member and who is qualified for kayak use.
Minors who are members of a BRCC youth team may paddle a one- or two-person kayak under close supervision by their BRCC-designated team coach.
Time Trials
For time trial testing, the coach may supervise from the dock and may supervise more than one boat concurrently, but only within the area needed for the time trials.
The time trial canoe may be used by non-member guests for time trials after approval by the Small Fleet Manager or Vice President, or by a person designated by either of the above to authorize such use.
Rule 4
A foam vest type PFD MUST be worn. A fanny pack or other style of inflatable PFD is not acceptable.
Rule 5
BRCC members hosting non-member guests or conducting kayak training are required to have passed the Key Test portion of the BRCC written Steersperson Test.
Rule 6
After sunset, lights visible from all directions must be shown. One bike light worn by the paddler is generally not sufficient, two lights should be used to be visible from all directions.
Rule 7
The canoes/kayaks shall not go past the protection of the breakwaters into the open SF Bay without a support vessel such as another OC, kayak or dragon boat within easy hailing distance and remaining close enough to assist in case of an emergency. Solo canoes/kayaks may not go past the breakwaters into the open SF Bay unless they carry a waterproof marine VHF radio and are familiar with its proper use. All paddling outside the breakwater is restricted to the outside operating area defined below.
Rule 8
If the canoes/kayaks go outside the protection of the breakwaters they must stay within 200 meters of the shoreline, and shall not go south of the old Hs.Lordships restaurant building or north of the NW corner of Cesar Chavez Park. The detached rock breakwater is approximately 100 meters from the shoreline. Two or more canoes/kayaks or other vessels within easy hailing distance of each other and remaining close enough to assist in case of an emergency may go past the breakwater wall, but must stay within 200 yards of the shoreline, and shall not go south of the old Hs.Lordships restaurant building or north of the NW corner of Cesar Chavez Park.
Rule 9
The canoes/kayaks shall not go outside the protection of the breakwaters if the wind is over ten (10) knots (11.5 mph) or if there are white caps visible in the waters outside the marina.
Rule 10
Any damage, leaks or mechanical problems with the boat shall be recorded on the log sheet when returning the canoes/kayaks. The Small Fleet Manager and Fleet Captain shall be notified if the issue is considered critical. Damage shall be reported regardless of whether the damage occurred during the present use or was a pre-existing condition.
Rule 11
If a boat is considered not safe for use, a conspicuous note shall be left on the boat and the Small Fleet Manager and the Fleet Captain shall be notified.
Procedures for Kayak/Canoe Operation and Storage
We maintain a list of Kayak/Canoe paddlers and a hardcopy should be available on the clipboard where the log-in sheet is attached.
If a boat is considered not safe for use, a conspicuous note shall be left on the boat and the Small Fleet Manager and the Fleet Captain shall be notified.
