Outdoor Recreation On and Near the Coast

From biking and hiking to running and surfing, here’s a look at some upcoming outdoor recreation events, lessons and demos, starting this weekend. Ongoing events are listed at the end.

Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011

ROMP: Responsible Organize Mountain Pedalers, Social and Scenery Ride, Skyline Boulevard

Enjoy a ride for experienced beginners and intermediates who want to go slower. Meet at 10:15am (wheels roll at 10:30) to ride, socialize, enjoy the scenery, and work on your biking skills at a slow to moderate pace with frequent breaks for 2.5 hours or more depending on group wishes. Explore and learn new trails in a supportive group or share your favorites in these preserves. Bring your helmet, water, sunscreen and possibly a snack. Rain cancels. Location: Meet in the Vista point parking area on Skyline Blvd/ Highway 35 located 1.1 miles north of its intersection with Page Mill Road and directly across from the Mid-Peninsula Open Space Russian Ridge Preserve. For more information, to go http://romp.org.

Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walk, Wilder Ranch State Park

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., this natural history excursion will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the spectacular coastal bluffs. Meet at the Wilder Ranch interpretive center. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Binoculars are available to borrow. Walk is cancelled if rain. Event free; Parking $10. Call (831) 426-0505 for more information.

Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011

Golden Gate National Recreational Area, mountain bike ride, Pacifica to Rancho Corral de Tierra

From 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m. a GGNRA-sponsored mountain bike takes riders from Pacifica to Rancho Corral de Tierra and back with mountain biker-turned-instructor Jim Sullivan. The ride is moderate and 11 miles long. Riders will learn basic mountain bike techniques and see how Rancho connects to other open space. Directions: Turn east onto Linda Mar Blvd. off Hwy 1 in Pacifica. Turn right onto Peralta, following Peralta to Rosita Road. Take left on Rosita and park in front of Linda Mar School. Maximum of 15 riders. Reservations required as event details may change. Call 415-561-4323. The group meets every third Sunday at different locations. Next rides are Jan. 15 and Feb. 19.

Half Moon Bay Yacht Club, Midwinter Race #4, Half Moon Bay

All races are conducted within the confines of Pillar Point Harbor. Rules governing the races are standard US Sailing Racing Rules and the Coronado 15 Association Class rules. A warning horn is sounded 10 minutes before the start of each racing session. A 5 minutes prep-to-start sequence is used for each race with horns sounding accordingly. Most races are windward-leeward with a windward start and finish. Different courses may be selected by the Race Committee before each race, as allowed by the rules. The 720-degree turns penalty (rules 44.1 and 44.2) of the Racing rules of Sailing will apply. All competitors are required to wear personal flotation. For times and details, go to www.hmbyc.org.

Sweeney Ridge Hike, San Mateo County, Skyline, San Bruno

From 12 to 3 p.m. find out on a hike with one of the most knowledgeable guides in town, Nike missile veteran David Bridgman, how the fear of Russia saved Sweeney Ridge and indirectly changed the course of these parklands. Sponsored by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The moderately strenuous hike starts at the far west end of Sneath Lane in San Bruno. Reservations requested; phone (415) 561-4323.

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011

Explorer Hike, El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, Skeggs Point, Woodside

From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., explore this Preserve's western margin along El Corte de Madera Creek on the North and South Leaf and Virginia Mill Trails with docents Lynn Jackson and Dennis Smith. This moderately-paced hike will be 3 to 5 miles depending on weather and trail conditions. (Note: Participants will carpool to the trailhead). Reservations are required. For this activity at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, meet at Skeggs Point, a Caltrans vista point on the east side of Skyline Boulevard, about 4 miles north of La Honda Road (Highway 84) and 1.5 miles south of Kings Mountain Road. Please note that Caltrans prohibits a left turn into the lot when approaching from the north along Skyline Blvd.  Free. Sponsored by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Call (650) 691-1200 for more information.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Crystal Springs Trail Run, 50 km, marathon, 22 miles, 11 miles, 5 miles, Woodside

Experience the towering redwoods, lush ferns, and beautiful trails through Huddart Park, King's Mountain and Bear Gulch. (Distances are accurately measured using a Rolatape® surveyor's measuring wheel.) Marathon - 7.5 hours (3 hr 15 min, 11:45 a.m. @ Bear Gulch Aid Station (12 mi). 50 Km - 8 hours (2 hr 50 min, 11:20 a.m. @ Bear Gulch Aid Station (12 mi). Starting at 8 a.m. at the Werder Shelter. Park entrance is $6 per vehicle. No dogs allowed in the park. Huddart Park, 1100 Kings Mountain Road, Woodside. For more information, visit http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/cs_wntr_crystal_springs.html.

January 16, 2012 

California Canoe & Kayak, Pillar Point Tour
Get up close and personal with harbor seals, marine birds and other wildlife on a kayak tour of Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. No previous experience necessary for double kayaks. $49. Trip duration: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 650-728-1803 or e-mail kenny@calkayak.com to reserve space.

January 22, 2012

Pacifica Trail Run, 9km, 21Km, 30km & 50km, San Pedro Valley Park

Travel through eucalyptus trees and past Brooks Falls on your way to North Peak overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park is located in the northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found in over 100 miles of coastline. Fully-stocked aid stations every nine to 11 kilometers. You can expect fresh fruit, salty snacks, assorted candy, boiled potatoes and salt, water, and Clif Shot Electrolyte sports drink. If you would like to be sure that you have Clif product, SaltStick capsules, or any other specific item at the event, you should carry it with you. Registration now open at http://pctrailruns.com/event.aspx?dtid=9925. Entry fees range from $35 to $65.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Woodside Kings Mountain Half Marathon & 5-Mile Run

Hilly and challenging with more than 1,800 feet of climbing and descending terrain over the course of the race, the Woodside Kings Mountain Half Marathon & 5-Mile Run gives runners the chance to run one of Northern California's first trail half marathons of the year through Huddart County Park, whose 973 acres are nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains just south of San Francisco. $40 for the half marathon, if registered before February 18, 2012; $45 on Feb. 18 and after. To reserve your spot in the late winter 2012 running of the Woodside King's Mountain Half Marathon or 5-Mile race, click here.

Ongoing

rentals,

Kayak rentals are available by appointment. Call for rental availability at 650-728-1803 or e-mail kenny@calkayak.com. Rental rates: $15/hr for single kayak; $25/hr for tandem kayak. Take-away rentals available by appointment: $50/day for single kayak; $60/day for tandem kayak (reduced rates for additional days).

Coastside Running Club, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach

Every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. members of the Coastside Running Club take their usual route south through the forest, through the Moss Beach Distillery, and along the bluffs to Pillar Point Harbor (near Mavericks waves) and then back. The entire run takes 50 minutes to an hour to complete the five miles. This is a fun social run, to stay in shape and talk about upcoming races, training, life, etc. No fees or dues. Just bring a smile and your running shoes.

Half Moon Bay Kayak Co., Pillar Point Harbor Tour, Pillar Point

Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., this tour is designed for tourists and locals alike. After a brief kayak and safety orientation, we will launch our kayaks and glide across the tranquil waters of the Pillar Point Harbor amid the sea birds and harbor seals. Your guides will point out the unique sites and offer information on topics such as the local history, bird life, marine mammals, and the legendary Mavericks surf spot.  $65. Call 650-773-6101 for more information.

Boardsports Windsurfing & Kiteboarding School, every Sunday, Coyote Point, San Mateo

Intro to Kiteboarding Clinic. Meet at 1603 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo from 4-5:30 p.m. $50. Call 385-1224 for more information.

Boardsports Stand Up Paddle (SUP) clinic, every Sunday, Coyote Point, San Mateo

Beginner SUP Clinic at 1603 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo from 9 to 10:30 a.m. every Sunday for $99.

SUP Yoga session with and Omjavid Yoga

Meet at Mavericks Surf Shop, 25 Johnson Pier, Pillar Point Harbor, suit-up, paddle out to flat water and do yoga with Omjavid Yoga instructor. Call Mavericks Surf Shop at 560-8088 for times, fees and to sign up.

Jetty Betty Surf School, Half Moon Bay

Surf lessons, specializing in 1:1 lessons. Cost: $120 for a private 90-minute lesson. Only $80 more for each additional surfer. Call (650) 455-8141 or email jettybettysurf@hotmail.com for more information.

, Half Moon Bay
Group, semi-private and private surfing lessons for all ages; ocean safety instruction Half Moon Bay. Call 650-726-8686 or click here for more information. 

, Pacifica

Weeklong and weekend instruction for kids and families; trips, birthday and corporate parties surfing. Call 650-738-5757 or visit www.surfpacifica.com.

Half Moon Bay Yacht Club, Sailing on Sundays and Sunday Skipper

HMBYC Members get checked out by the club's senior sailors and can be certified to use the Club’s Cal20s, C15s, Lasers or other boats for a leisurely sail inside Pillar Point Harbor. Sunday Skippers take out small groups for a sail in the Harbor. For more information, e-mail sailing@hmbyc.org.

, Masters and Lap Swim, Half Moon Bay

Masters: The newly-formed Mavericks Masters team, coached by Bill Saxsenmier and Cindy Lee, offers coached practices for those swimmers who compete and for those who would like to structured practices in a group environment. Swimmers must be registered with USA Masters. MAV Masters practice times are: Monday - Friday: 5:30 – 7 a.m., 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays:  11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lap Swim: Lap swim is for those of any age 18+ wishing to swim on their own and at their own pace.  Lap swim times are the same as above for Masters. $60 for a 10-swim pass or unlimited access pass to adult/masters sessions in a calendar month. All Masters and adult lap swim participants must be members of United States Masters Swimming.  You can join USMS online by visiting www.usms.org and clicking on the join/renew links.

, trail and beach horseback riding, Half Moon Bay

Located at 1828 Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay, Sea Horse Ranch is open seven days a week at 8 a.m. The one-hour trail ride is $55; 1.5-hour trail and beach ride is $65; and two-hour trail and beach ride is $75, which includes the Coastal Equestrian Trail that travels farther onto the bluffs above the ocean, and then down onto Poplar Beach, north on Poplar Beach for about 20 minutes, and then back to the Ranch on Cabrillo Highway. For the early bird special ride, which is $50 for the 2-hour trail and beach ride, get to the front gage by 8 a.m. to qualify. Bring sweatshirts or jackets. For more information, go to www.seahorseranch.org or call 650-726-9903.

Send information for your outdoor fitness event located along the San Mateo County coast or just beyond by e-mail to Christa Bigue at xtapalmer@gmail.com.

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