SAN FRANCISCO SWIM ALSO PADDLES

We provide paddle support and safety for all of our open water swims with excellent swimmer to paddler ratios, and some of the most experienced safety paddlers in the Bay Area.

San Francisco Swim utilizes a steady rotation of water safety paddlers to assist swimmers in case of the unexpected. It is a mash of watercraft, anything from kayaks to SUPs to outriggers. All powered by a paddle and the enjoyment of being on the Bay. It’s also a unique community that loves to paddle but embraces assisting athletes meet their swimming challenges. Safety and a decent workout, just add new friends and a little water adventure.

All water safety paddlers are supported by safety powerboat pilots. Sometimes, launch locations and Bay conditions change and support for the support happens. Also, paddlers should have their own gear (Kayak or SUP) and PFD as we don’t have rentals. If equipment is forgotten, the community is always there to assist.

We welcome newer paddlers that are ready to join. We offer on the water training for those that may want to work on their skills to feel more comfortable on open water and someday join us escorting swimmers. If you’re not ready to paddle Alcatraz yet, come work with us in the protected waters of Aquatic Park first! Contact us about giving it a try.

We look forward to fostering a sense of community in the paddling community and look forward to expanding our calendar to include training paddles, social paddles and more!

We typically meet up 1 hour before the swimmers “jump” and launch 30-45 min before depending on route. Paddlers, once signed up, will receive a detailed briefing packet before the event.

Some of our routes include:

Paddling from Aquatic Park to south of Alcatraz island and escorting swimmers to either Aquatic Park or St. Francis Yacht Club
We paddle from Bridge to Bridge, Around Alcatraz, SF to Angel Island and more.
We’re always looking for new routes!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a safety paddler?

A Safety Paddler is a visual, directional, and first response to swimmers in the water assisting in close-up interactions with swimmers. Safety paddlers duties include course guidance and provide safety oversight. Paddlers monitor swimmers for signs of distress, fatigue, injury, or simply be a source of encouragement. There may be instances in which a swim kayaker may be a temporary rest station.

Other duties include interacting with other water safety partners, (safety powerboats, swim director, and marine law enforcement) assisting in creating an environment in which the swimmer can solely focus on their journey. Communication skills are important as updates and course changes can occur and are passed on.

Can I paddle the bay?

You don’t need to be a Lifeguard or an expert guide. We need paddlers that are attentive to helping others, positive and encouraging and can communicate with a team.

If you have a kayak or a SUP you can launch and sit on (standing Not required) without assistance and can paddle for an hour or so you’re probably good! Join us for a weekly training swim or paddle and we’ll help build and assess your skills!

What do I need?

Some kind of capable Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard.
A Coast Guard approved life jacket (Required.)
Appropriate Paddle clothing that can be worn when wet.
A positive, flexible attitude

A Handheld VHF Marine Radio is required for our offshore paid paddlers but not for first timers, Weekly events or volunteers.

I don't paddle - can I still volunteer to help out?

Yes! Contact us and choose “volunteering” in the message form!

THE SFS PADDLE TEAM

PATRICK FOLEY
Patrick started swimming and paddling open water in 2018 and has a long history of outdoor adventures. He has experience piloting swimmers and managing…
PATRICK FOLEY
Lead Paddler
COACH JAKE
Coach Jake began swimming in the San Francisco Bay way back in 2001 and never looked back! He is an accomplished age grouper triathlete…
COACH JAKE
Coach & Paddler