Camper Information

Our days mix on-water sessions with beach/park activities. When wind or conditions dictate, we’ll stay protected; on calm/glassy days we may take longer adventure paddles (lunch at Mission Bay or Mission Creek Park). Expect your camper to come home tired and happy.

• Location: Crane Cove Park, Illinois St between Mariposa & 19th. Camp runs 9:00–3:00 at our park tent. Use the 18th St loading area for quick drop-off/pick-up (please keep the line moving).

• Release: Campers are released only to authorized adults noted in your registration.

• Before Care: 8:00–9:00 AM

• After Care: 3:00–6:00 PM

  Add during registration; campers relax, play games, and explore nearby parks with staff.

• Board or kayak sized to your camper

• Paddle & SUP leash (leash must be worn on SUP)

• PFD (life jacket) for every paddler (bring your own if you prefer)

• Dry bag for small items (phone/snacks/towel/clothes) 

• Clothing: bathing suit, quick-dry towel, long-sleeve rash guard (non-cotton), warm layer/hoodie (it’s SF!)

• Footwear: flip-flops/Crocs/water shoes for shore; barefoot on boards/boats

• Sun & hydration: sunscreen (applied before arrival), hat/sunnies (strap helps), 1–2 L water

• Lunch & snacks: pack for active days; intermediate weeks may lunch on route.

• Medications: give any meds to staff at check-in in original packaging and list them on the medical form (inhalers/EpiPens included).

• Phones: for parent communication only; no phone use during activities.

• Optional: light wetsuit for colder days (not required). 

Parent tip: Label everything (ACA best practice) to reduce lost & found.

New, clean public restrooms are open at Crane Cove; we also provide a rinse station and changing room at HQ.

We capture photos/video when conditions allow and share galleries with families after camp. Please encourage campers to stay present; we’ll handle the pics. Access:

dogpatchpaddle.com/2026photos

• Strong swimming comfort; ready for active outdoor days

• Listen to counselors; follow instructions on land and water

• PFDs and SUP leashes are required on the water

• Give wildlife space (50 ft); no feeding or touching

• No touching pilings, piers, buoys, boats, or hazards

• No horseplay/jousting on boards; help keep everyone safe

• If you fall in: stay calm, climb back on your board/boat

• If someone else falls in: alert a counselor—do not jump in

• Pack out trash; grab litter with your paddle when safe

• Have a lot of fun!

• Day-of questions/text: 415-484-9322

• Email: info@dogpatchpaddle.com

• If the shop is briefly unstaffed, head to the Crane Cove beach and text us.

Lunch & Water: please make sure you camper has snacks and a full lunch. We will exercise them, so they need the energy. We recommend at least a liter water bottle (1.5-2L is great). We have a refill jug on site. Our shop does have a lot of treats and snacks, so please let us know if your kids are allowed or not allowed any of the offerings in the market.

Generally we don’t recommend wetsuits for paddle boarding or kayaking. They tend to make kids overly hot and constricted in movement.

If they fall in the water, it’s not usually for more than a moment or two and on a sunny day, it’s a refreshing escape. Some kids like to swim on sunny days and we often take them to locations away from the cove to swim.

That said, if your child is prone to the cold and wants to swim a lot, a shorty wet suit might make sense. We wouldn’t recommend a full suit. We have a small selection of shorties available for sale in our shop.

We are in the sun most of the day. We constantly remind the kids to apply sunscreen. Anything you can do to prepare them and equip them to use sunscreen is appreciated. Despite our efforts, this is the number one issue we face at camp.

Proper footwear is important. As we enter and exit the water there are potential hazards with sharp rocks. Flip flops, crocs, or water shoes are a must. Please remind your kids to put them on when entering and exiting the water.

No swimming at Crane Cove due to historical submerged hazards; wading within the buoyed near-shore area is allowed. Campers must wear PFDs and follow staff direction on the water at all times.