Grassy Point

Tomales Bay is a favorite spot for all wind sports with the best wind and conditions occurring from March through June when the northwesterlies blow. The nice thing about that is northwesterlies usually blanket the entire coast from Oregon to Southern California meaning it’s more a locals spot with a small group of takers each day - there are plenty of other places to choose from. A typical day starts around 10 AM  with medium gear ramping up to your smallest gear by mid afternoon. So bring a full quiver!

The water is clean and cold and the wind can be cold too. If you decide to take a bite in the winter months prepare for a shock. I have found the best way to deal with the cold water on your hands is to go out for a short session til hands ache and you lose your sense of feeling, come in and wrap your hands in a warm towel til the feeling returns then go back out - you will be goof for the rest of the day.

You might score some sailble days in the late summer and autumn but be aware - eel grass can make sailing difficult and foiling impossible.

There is a shallow area right off the launch which won’t be a problem for finners, foilers will have to carry their board out to deeper water to clear the sandy/muddy bottom. Tomales Bay was formed by the San Andreas Fault so the bay proper is very deep. The water gets shallow on the far side as well. These and the ell grass are tho only obslacles to consider. 

Conditions are best on an ebb when the swell coming down the bay kicks up offering fun rides on the bumps. Floods are sailble as well but make sure you can stay upwind against the flood.

I have often told people the drive to Grassy Point is worth the trip even if you get skunked - there is so much to see and do in West Marin.