Few things are better than the smell of the ocean and feel of the sea spray on your skin. Located at the end of the wharf, these sensations are part of the fishing experience as well as the Capitola Boat & Bait experience. The building has been in this spot for more than 50 years and the current owners have been providing boating and baiting needs for the last 14 years.
A small convenience store has walls plastered with photos of those who have caught something using Capitola's boats. Over the past 14 years, the wall has been covered and they still continue to add peoples' memories to the business. Capitola provides rental services you can get your hands on: boats, kayaks, boogie boards, fishing poles, crab nets, hydrobikes, wetsuits and, during the summer, choose from a selection of sailboats and motorboats. Capitola Boat & Bait is a friendly store that always has service with a smile and a conversation.
Stan Wong of the California Parks Company manages Lake Chabot's marina concession under contract with the East Bay Regional Parks system. Along with snacks, lunches, beverages (no alcohol) and anything else you might need for a day in the park, this is where to buy a fishing license (required for those 16 and older) and to learn what fish have been stocked in the lake. Rowboats, pedal boats and kayaks can be rented for $20 to $60 an hour, with discounts for three hours or more. Fishing gear and life jackets for rental or sale. (Swimming and wading is not allowed, because the lake is a drinking-water source.) The cafe is next to the lake, behind the picnic area; from Lake Chabot Road, follow the signs to the marina. The website is updated weekly with info about fish, lake conditions, etc.
Action Water Sports truly lives up to its name by offering something for seemingly every water sport in existence. The store has surf boards, wetsuits, canoes, kite surfing equipment, kayaks, skim boards and much, much more. It also sells used boards and offers some for $50.
The Marina Sailing offices are located on Marina Way and Harbor Drive. Marina Sailing, based in King Harbor, rents several types of boats, including yachts and racing boats, and offers different training and certification programs. All different skill and experience levels are welcome and the company offers different products and services according to customers' backgrounds. Prices for chartering range from hourly to daily rates. Marina Sailing also offers sailing club membership, which greatly reduces the costs of its programs.
You don't have to be a boater to join Benicia Yacht Club. Though you may feel a like a fish out of water when the captains and mates congregate on the veranda for apres-sail cocktails. The Club offers events and functions to satisfy those interested in the social aspects of the Club, as well as those interested in the water-oriented activities.
The Club is located next to the Benicia Marina and the view from the veranda is quite wonderful, overlooking the marina, the Carquinez Strait and Mt. Diablo. The banquent hall downstairs is available to rent by members and non-members.
If you are coming to the Benicia Yacht Club by boat the coordinates are: 38º 02.510 N 122º 09.450 W
Redondo Beach Yacht Club is a private club with a marina on Yacht Club Way. The Club offers affordable membership fees, regularly scheduled races, Wi-Fi and clubhouse rentals. For more information about the club's amenities and membership application, visit the Redondo Beach Yacht Club Web site.
Established in 1979, La Jolla Surf Systems features surfboards, accessories and classic surf apparel for men, women and children. It also provides surf lessons and offers rentals of surfboards, wetsuits, kayaks, boogie-boards, snorkeling gear and beach chairs. Two-hour private surf lessons are offered daily at 6am, 7am and 8am and group lessons are available upon request. Daily Kayak tours, which take guests throughout the La Jolla Underwater Park and Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, are offered. The business is located close to the beach.
