wakeboarding in San Mateo/South SF

[wcherashore]

got a job offer in San Mateo (South Bay San Francisco near Palo Alto, area) is there much riding to be done around there? is it year round?

the office is right across from some canals/ development called "edgewater" looks like you can ride there

[obie]

wcherashore, I grew up in San Mateo and if you want to wakeboard nearby it's going to be in the Foster City lagoon. It's salt water, fairly cold all year round--wetsuit top for sure and probably more at other times--tide moves in and out. Water can be butter, but gets blown out easily at times. Lake Berryessa is a 2 hour drive depending on traffic and Discovery Bay ("the dirty delta") can be the same depending on traffic. Some Lakes in the south bay as well, Anderson, Calero are ok.

[BKinSoCal]

wcherashore,

Like you, I'm from SoCal. As you know, we have VERY limited decent fresh water riding down here that we would consider local. There are TONS of lakes in NorCal that are within easy driving distance. Clean and beautiful. I don't know where you ride right now, but I'm guessing somewhere on the Colorado River as that is where I ride as well. It takes me a bout 3 1/2 hours to get to my place in Parker. There are significantly more places to ride in NorCal that are within that same distance and closer.

I know people ride year-round on the Delta. I don't know what the water or air temps are, but that's why we own wetsuits and dry-suits. I know BKHallPass lives in Disco Bay so he could give you more insight on the Delta and the riding up there.

My wife and I discussed moving to NorCal a while back. For me, it would mainly be for having easy access to multiple lakes/rivers to ride on a daily basis. Ultimately, we decided to stay in SoCal simply because this is where our families are.

Good luck on your decision.

[bkhallpass]

I do live in the Delta, and as luck would have it, I grew up in San Mateo, and my parents house was on the Marina Lagon, which
is the skiable patch of water in San Mateo. It is saltwater. There are some good riders, and at least one fellow who frequents
this site owns a 211 which he keeps at the lagoon. He lives in the Mariner's Island area. There is a slalom course at the south end of the lagoon. The launch ramp is located off Roberta Drive. The daily fees are pretty steep. If you're going to use it very often, you're better off going with a season pass.

The Foster City Lagon, does not not pemit power boats.

Without traffic, the delta is about 1:15 from San Mateo. At least 6 Lakes under three hours ( New Melones, McClure, Don Pedro, Berryessa, Anderson, New Hogan) many more not much further.

San Mateo is great because of the mild weather. It's pretty rare when it gets above 80. However, in the summer, it's kind of nice to get out the lakes where the temps are routinely in the 90s, and often above 100.

BKH

[RLS]

I will be surfing on teh delta in about three hours. Air temp should be high 50 to low 60 and water shold be low 50.

[migs]

First of - congrats on moving to San Mateo! - one of the most sought after places to live in the bay area - Great MIld Temps all year round, right in the middle of peninsula - close proximity to everything.

You can ride in the San Mateo/Foster City lagoon - $40 per launch or $500+ for a year pass. The lagoon is salt water and shallow - 6 feet deep at the deepest spots - avg of 5 ft. Always butter on one of the 2 ends - if one is blown out, the other side will be flat.

You can & will most prob ride at the delta - which is 1hr from San Mateo to Orwood or Discovery Bay - pulling my boat. A bit quicker if youre not pullin a boat.

You can go south through San Jose to lake Anderson(about 45 mins, or lake Calero - about 40 mins - but why go there if you can go to the delta.
For weekend camping or lake trips - you can go to all the many many lakes in Northern Cali - Don Pedro, Mc Clure, Berryessa, Shasta, New Melones, etc.....
Let me know if you need any more info.

Congrats!

[wcherashore]

haven't moved out there yet, just pulled down an offer

[wcherashore]

what about those lakes near woodside? the office is actually up there on Skyline Blvd I think it is....

[bkhallpass]

That's Crystal Springs Reservoir. It's the drinking water for the area. No swimming, no boating, no fishing.

Although I know many who have taken an illegal midnight swim during the high school years, I've yet to hear of anyone
who got a boat on that reservoir.

BKH

[wcherashore]

access is always the issue! we always seem to be kept out of what would make premo lakes.

[obie]

access is always the issue! we always seem to be kept out of what would make premo lakes.

I wouldn't worry about Crystal Springs. That lake runs NW to SE, and that is exactly where a 15-25 mph wind comes from everyday at around 1pm. Early mornings can be pure out there.