After work kiting from FiDi

[Erik]

Have been trying to figure out the best place to head for kiting after work, when work happens to be in the financial district. Crissy is definitely the closest option, but too tide dependent. Toll Plaza and 3rd meet insane traffic. Any ideas?

[jethrozimm]

I head to Coyote from 3rd and Market...traffic isn't too bad at 3:30! PM me know if you need a lift ever

[ozchrisb]

Toll Plaza? You still need to cross the bridge but then you're right there!
OB? Takes about a 1/2 hour from Russian Hill.

[JimmyJack]

I live in East Bay and my weekday spots are Ashby Beach, TP and Alameda (storms and clearing) and Crissy on Friday to hang a bit longer and wait for traffic to die. Or leave early and go straight to Sherman.

TP,Ashby Beach and Alameda are easy to get to. I park at West Oak or MacCarthur bart then go from there. Once I am done, traffic is usually mostly gone.

[Erik]

Toll Plaza? You still need to cross the bridge but then you're right there!
OB? Takes about a 1/2 hour from Russian Hill.

Toll Plaza is "right there" as you cross the bridge, but you have to go down to emeryville turn-off, which is a mess, and taking the HOV lane doesn't help as it bypasses this turn off. If there was a way to access Toll Plaza w/o having to go through emeryville, might be better. Is there a launch from Treasure Island?

[KGB Kiteboarding]

Erik,
You can avoid any Emeryville traffic by taking the route below:
The easiest way to get to TP from SF is to take 80 east then exit Powell St make an immediate left (go under the freeway)then an immediate right to get back on the freeway towards SF. This turnaround takes 2 minutes at most! Then stay in the right lane and exit West Grand/Maritime "Last Oakland Exit" then make an immediate right turn to the side road.
To get back to the city, go back to the exit, continue up the ramp and make an U-turn at the first light. Simple.
CYA at the beach