Spring Fever

Hawaii's got the surf -- boasting more ripable waves per square mile than anywhere else in the world. The Rockies have the snow -- blessed with miles upon miles of virgin powder for the shredding. But only in California can the eccentric extremist tear into the elements of both land and sea, all in one afternoon.

As spring break makes its long-overdue arrival, no one in California looking for outdoor adventure has it better than those who call the Bay area home. If haggling with travel agents or planning road-trip itineraries aren't your gig, don't feel obligated to seek out your adrenaline fix elsewhere.

"The San Francisco Bay area is the greatest urban playground in America, and probably the world," writes adventurist Rick Blick, and few would dare to argue.

But it's easy to take for granted the treasures that exist in your own back yard and everyone needs a bit of reminding now and again. So consider this the reminder of what you're doomed to miss out on if you don't get it in gear soon:

SURFING -- The rugged conditions typically make it a die-hards-only excursion, but contrary to popular belief, there are better waves to be found in NorCal year round than in the smog pit to the south. A used board and 4-millimeter wetsuit aren't pricey investments and there has never been a shark attack at a San Francisco beach. In other words, no excuses. For Ocean Beach conditions call 665-7745; for Marin call 381-WAVE.

WINDSURFING -- There isn't a more scenic backdrop anywhere, and rarely is lack of wind a problem. Lessons are a must for this one, but there are a number of schools that offer beginning lessons and equipment use for under $100. Try Cal Adventurers in the Berkeley Marina (510-642-4000) or Sausalito Sailboards (415-331-WIND) for good introductory offers.

ROCK CLIMBING -- Indoor or outdoor, there is no shortage of venues. CityRock of Emeryville and Mission Cliffs in the city offer some of the best indoor walls in the country, with monthly climbing passes for under $50. Challenging outdoor spots include: Sea Wall at Ocean Beach in the city (25 feet/5.9), Indian Rocks in Berkeley (35 feet/5.10), Mickey's Rock at Stinson Beach in Marin (50 feet/5.12) and Handley Rock in Palo Alto (35 feet/5.10).

PARAGLIDING -- Flight is not cheap, but you pay for what you get in the way of equipment and instruction -- and you'll probably be glad you did. Just across from Lake Merced, Fort Funston is known as the mecca of paragliding and hang gliding in the Bay area. Airtime of San Francisco (415-759-1177) offers introductory five-hour flight-training programs at Fort Funston that start in the $100 to $150 range. Those willing and able to shell out the dough will be regularly enjoying a bird's eye view in no time.

MOUNTAIN BIKING -- The mountain bike was invented in the Bay area in the late 1970s and it has only prospered here since. The fire roads and single-track trails of Mount Tamalpais in Marin and numerous East Bay spots, including Mount Diablo, rarely go unridden on any given day. If you can't afford to buy a good bike and can't find a lender, shops such as Wheel Escapes (415-332-0218) near Mt. Tam rent them for $20 to $30 per day. If you have to rent, though, make sure the bike has good tires, modern gear and shifting components and a strong, light frame.

IN-LINE SKATING -- Anyone can slap on the wheels and find desirable terrain around the Bay, from Twin Peaks to Golden Gate Park to Mt. Tam to the Berkeley hills. For in-line die-hards, the now traditional Friday night city tour is a must. The skate begins at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero at 8:30 p.m. and covers a relatively-flat 11-mile loop that travels through North Beach, the Marina, Cow Hollow, Union Square, and South of Market. The route takes about three hours to complete and is a great way to socialize and see the city from the ground up.

[ Golden Gater Online March 28, 1996 ]

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