Private Group Paddling Lessons with Gaia Guides
Customizable paddling events perfect for school field trips, birthdays, and family events
Discover the ultimate outdoor experience right on our stunning waterfront! At Gaia Guides, we’re excited to offer customizable paddling adventures perfect for school field trips, birthdays, and other special occasions. Whether it’s an unforgettable paddling party or an educational group outing, we’ve got you covered!
We’re happy to customize your paddle adventure to fit your vision. Let us help you host an unforgettable event with our thoughtfully designed curriculum!
Customize: Design Your Event
Our standard private event is 2.5 hours and includes a comprehensive introduction to paddling lesson on land, then paddling and playing on the water.
Time: 2.5 hour Events
Our private paddle events are tailored for participants ages 5 to 17 years old and for adults who want to join them.
Ages: Families With Kids 5 - 14
Drive to Ballena Bay Marina, 1138 Ballena Blvd, Alameda. Drive past the flagpole and look for the tennis courts and parking lot on the left.
Location: Alameda, CA
We offer discounted pricing based on your group size. Our group minimum is 5 participants, and we can host up to 40 participants on the water at a time.
Price: $70 - $110 Per Person
All participants wear life jackets, with CPR/First Aid certified instructors, small group ratios, and Bay adventures planned around weather conditions.
Safety: Our Top Priority
Book Your Adventure Today!
Let Gaia Guides host your next paddling event and create memories that will last a lifetime. Complete the form below, and a member of our team will contact you shortly to finalize the details and confirm your booking. We’re here to answer any questions and ensure your event is seamless from start to finish. Let’s plan an adventure you’ll never forget!
Pricing
We offer discounted pricing based on group size:
$110 per paddler for 5 participants
$100 per paddler for 6-10 participants
$90 per paddler for 11-20 participants
$80 per paddler for 21-30 participants
$70 per paddler for 31+ participants
Quick Private Event FAQs
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We create unforgettable private paddling adventures tailored to your group, whether it’s a birthday party, school outing, corporate team-building event, or a family celebration. Each experience is customized with kayaking, paddleboarding, and fun on-water activities to fit your group’s needs and make the day truly special.
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We get your group checked in, take a few minutes to fit everyone with gear, go over safety guidelines, and introduce the basics of paddling. We’ll paddle in a protected lagoon that's perfect for learning and playing. Instructors will be nearby the entire time, offering tips, encouragement, and help when needed.
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Options include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, games on the water, and land-based activities like eco-lessons or team-building challenges. We customize each event to fit your group’s needs.
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No prior experience is required. Our certified instructors provide step-by-step guidance for beginners and fun challenges for more experienced paddlers.
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Clothing you don’t mind getting wet, such as quick-dry shirts, fleece layers, athletic wear, and swimsuits. Wetsuits are not provided
A towel and a change of clothes for after paddling.
Warm layers, it’s the San Francisco Bay, and it can get cold.
Drinking water to stay hydrated.
Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
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Dress in layers Alameda evenings can be sunny, breezy, or foggy. Avoid cotton; choose quick-dry fabrics. Bring extra warm layers or a dry change of clothes.
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Gaia Guides provides everything you need for a safe and enjoyable adventure:
Paddleboards / Kayaks & Paddles
Personal flotation devices (PFDs),
Skilled instructors dedicated to creating a memorable and safe experience.
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Life Jackets every participant wears a Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever they are on or near the water.
Certified Staff all instructors are trained in CPR, First Aid, and water safety, with a focus on youth instruction.
Small Ratios we maintain a low participant-to-instructor ratio (about 1:6) so everyone gets close supervision.
Condition Checks instructors assess Bay conditions including wind, tides, and currents before planning the day’s paddle route.
Skill Training campers learn buddy systems, safety signals, and self-rescue techniques to build confidence on the water.
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We still paddle most evenings, but routes may be adjusted based on wind, tides, and Bay conditions. In rare unsafe conditions, we’ll reschedule.
Best Paddling Camp in Alameda
Each day, (full-day and half-day options) campers head out on adventure paddles in a calm, protected lagoon, learn the basics of kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and dive into hands-on environmental lessons. Along the way, they’ll join team games, take on new challenges, and soak up plenty of sunshine.
Led by our friendly, experienced instructors, camp is designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and create lasting friendships. By the end of the week, your child will come home with new skills, new friends, and stories they’ll be talking about all year long.
June 8 - August 14
9am - 1pm / 9am - 4pm
$449 - $699 Per Week
Kids Ages 6 to 14