Family Paddle Nights in Alameda with Gaia Guides
Evening Paddle Adventures for the Whole Family
Looking for a fun, screen-free way to spend time with your kids this summer? Family Paddle Nights with Gaia Guides offer the perfect mix of adventure, connection, and nature, all set in the calm waters of Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda. Whether you’re brand new to paddling or already comfortable on the water, these weekly evening sessions are a chance to unplug, laugh, and make lasting memories together.
Who Can Participate?
Family Paddle Nights are designed for families with kids aged 5 to 14.
Parents or guardians must participate alongside their kids—we don’t offer drop-off paddling at this time.
Sessions are beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels.
Every participant MUST PRE-REGISTER in advance to help us keep group sizes safe and manageable.
When & Where?
Every Tuesday evening 5:30PM - 8PM from June 3 to August 26.
Program Location: Drive to Ballena Bay Marina, 1138 Ballena Blvd, Alameda. Drive past the flag poll and look for the parking lot next to the tennis courts on the left.
We paddle in a lagoon protected by Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda. This ideal location with calm, protected waters and stunning sunset views.
Pricing
Adult tickets are $40 per session.
Kids Paddle FREE on their first visit with the code kidspaddlefree during registration.
Returning Kids: $10 per child starting with their second session
If your family loves the experience (and we think you will), we’d be thrilled to welcome you back for more sunset sessions on the water.
What to Expect?
Family Paddle Nights are designed to be fun, welcoming, and low-pressure, even if it’s your first time on the water.
We get your family checked in, take a few minutes to fit everyone with gear, go over safety guidelines, and introduce the basics of stand-up paddleboarding. We’ll paddle in a protected lagoon that's perfect for learning and playing. Instructors will be nearby the entire time, offering tips, encouragement, and help when needed.
You don’t need any prior experience to join, just a willingness to try something new together. It’s all about creating a positive, shared memory in nature that your family will talk about long after the night ends.
What to bring?
Clothing you don’t mind getting wet – quick-dry shirts, fleece layers, athletic wear and swimsuits.
A towel and a change of clothes for after paddling.
Warm layers, it’s the San Francisco Bay, and it can get cold.
Drinking water to stay hydrated.
Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
Please note: wetsuits are not provided, but they’re not necessary for these calm, evening sessions. Just dress to get splashed, and you’ll be good to go!
What’s Included?
Gaia Guides provides everything you need for a safe and enjoyable adventure:
Paddleboards (with fin and leash).
Paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs),
Skilled instructors dedicated to creating a memorable and safe experience.
How to Enroll?
To ensure a smooth registration process, please follow these steps:
Enroll All Participants: Every adult and child must be registered before completing payment online.
Adding Participants: When filling out the enrollment form, scroll down and select "Add Another Participant" to include all family members.
Finalizing Payment: Double-check that everyone is enrolled before proceeding to payment.
Why Do We Ask for Each Participant to Enroll?
Why is it important to register my entire family?
For safety and emergency preparedness, we need a complete list of all participants to ensure we can account for everyone on the water.
Why do you require names for all participants?
Knowing each participant’s name helps us maintain accurate records, have liability waivers completed for all participants, and create a safer experience for everyone.
How does knowing the headcount help with staffing?
Having an exact number of participants ensures we have the right amount of staff on the water to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
