For 2024 we are rolling out brand new courses! In the meantime you can check out the 2023 Courses below..

The Battle of the Bay paddle race features the breathtaking scenery of San Francisco Bay. Our courses our set to take advantage of this iconic backdrop while keeping paddlers safe. Courses are selected to minimize interference from vessel traffic but remember every racer must stay aware and avoid interfering with vessel traffic.

Leashes and PFD’s required.

Course Descriptions 

Short Course

Starting Line – The starting line is about a 10 minute paddle from the beach and will be a standing water start. The Starting line will be between 2 Red Inflatable Triangles. To get to the starting line paddle straight off the beach and directly towards Belvedere Island. 

Mark 1 – Belvedere Buoy to starboard. Head for the end of Belvedere Island. The Buoy is a Circular Green Can. 

Mark 2 – The Dolphin Buoy to starboard. The Dolphin is a large structure with 3 Pilings bundled together and easy to see. When looking at the Golden Gate Bridge North Tower you will want to head towards the tower but keep the tower on your left. 

Mark 3 – Cone Rock to port. Cone rock is 6ft in diameter circular cement block sticking out of the water with a large metal pole and with a multi sided placard projecting out from the base and is about 15ft tall. It can be sited by finding the LARGE Mediterranean home, tan in color. The house is distinctive due to its large size and contiguous arches on its facade. We found it easy to site during our test course run.

On the way to the finish. As you approach the finish you will be nearing the caution zone you see on the course map. This zone is where all other Marine traffic operates. As you approach the zone traffic will be coming from your left and your right sides at a 90 degree angle. Please show extra respect and caution when crossing this area. Being good ambassadors is an important part of sharing the waterways safely with everyone. 

Finish Line. – The finish line will be marked by 2 red inflatable marks about 20 ft off the beach. Finish going through the line and then clear the line by going to one side or the other of the line. 

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR RACE # is visible on the front of your person/boat. Please help scoring by shouting your # at the line. 

Long Course 

For all paddlers launching and landing please be cautious doing so. We have a nice high tide but the beach itself does have some rocks under water that could hurt your feet and/or your gear. 

Starting Line – The starting line is about a 10 minute paddle from the beach and will be a standing water start. The Starting line will be between 2 Red Inflatable Triangles. To get to the starting line paddle straight off the beach and directly towards Belvedere Island. 

Mark 1 – Belvedere Buoy to starboard. Head for the end of Belvedere Island. The Buoy is a Circular Green Can. 

Mark 2 – The Dolphin Buoy to starboard. The Dolphin is a large structure with 3 Pilings bundled together and easy to see. When looking at the Golden Gate Bridge North Tower you will want to head towards the tower but keep the tower on your left. 

Mark 3 – Cone Rock to port. Cone rock is 6ft in diameter circular cement block sticking out of the water with a large metal pole and with a multi sided placard projecting out from the base and is about 15ft tall. It can be sited by finding the LARGE Mediterranean home, tan in color. The house is distinctive due to its large size and contiguous arches on its facade. We found it easy to site during our test course run. You do not need to go through the Starting line. It will be gone by the time you go by.

Mark 4 – #5 Piling to Port. This piling is located on the right hand side of Strawberry point. The point has a large green lawn that will be visible as you head towards the point. As you see the lawn you will want to keep it just barely on your left hand side.

Mark 5 – Back to the Dolphin take it to Port

Mark 6 – Back to Cone Rock to Port

On the way to the finish. As you approach the finish you will be nearing the caution zone you see on the course map. This zone is where all other Marine traffic operates. As you approach the zone traffic will be coming from your left and your right sides at a 90 degree angle. Please show extra respect and caution when crossing this area. Being good ambassadors is an important part of sharing the waterways safely with everyone. 

Finish Line. – The finish line will be marked by 2 red inflatable marks about 20 ft off the beach. Finish going through the line and then clear the line by going to one side or the other of the line. 

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR RACE # is visible on the front of your person/boat. Please help scoring by shouting your # at the line.