Places to Paddle in Sonoma County - Estero Americano

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Name:Estero Americano by Kayak
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Download the GPS track for this trip in GPX format
San Francisco Bay Area Kayak put-in Sites
Tidal Information for this location

From  To  

 
Total Distance:12.09 miles (19.45 km)
Total Trip Time:5:10:11 (4:09:20 moving time)
Trip Description and put-in information:If you are looking for an easy, calm paddle North of San Francisco, you might want to go to Estero Americano.  The put in for this paddle is Right Near Valley Ford (You can download the GPS track for exact location).  Our second trip with Peter and Sylvia was pretty windy with a current going against us on the way out.  Nevertheless, we had a great time paddling the 6 scenic miles to the mouth of the Estero.  Once there, Peter and I played in the waves for a few minutes.  Conditions were very good for playing in the waves (i.e. flood tide - easy to get back in)!  We saw a fair amount of wild life in both directions.  On the way back, I set up a sail with my paddle and my paddle jacket.  Max sailing speed was 4.5 mph during the strong gusts.  The rest of the time, I could cruise at 3.5+ mph!  Round trip distance is a little over 12 miles.  Put in can be challenging if the water is low.  I think this place would benefit from some sort of dock.  This location is only accessible by private boat - so there won't be any cars to disturb you!
After the trip, I had some communication with a local land owner.  
Here is the information that I was provided with:
      
Thank you for responding so quickly. The land surrounding the Estero
Americano is private agricultural land. The beaches at the mouth of the
Estero are owned by two agricultural land owners. Camping is only
allowed with permission from the land owners. Only after permission from the
land owner is obtained, a campfire permit can be obtained from the Marin
County Fire Department. Kayaking along the estero is only allowed during high
tides. Thank you for updating this information on your website. Please
email me if you have any more questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Nichola Spaletta (e-nspaletta@svn.net)
      
      
      
      
Average Speed:2.91 mph (4.68 kph)
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Brian Kayak Surfing
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Peter in his Kayak
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Peter
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Peter kayaks into Estero
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Sylvia Paddling
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Janet in yellow kayak
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Kayaks in Estero