The PaddlerUK magazine December 2015 issue 5 | Page 53

Sean Morley

Point Bonita
California
United States

“Marking the north side of the entrance to the Golden Gate, Point Bonita is
a spectacular outcrop of pillow basalt topped by what was once the last
manned lighthouse on the California coast.

“Tide, wind and swell collaborate to erode rock
thrust upwards by tectonic forces defined by the
San Andreas Fault that divides the earth’s crust just
a couple of miles offshore. Despite this, man has
created one of the most recognizably stunning
architectural wonders of the world. Point Bonita
offers one of the best views of the Golden Gate
Bridge with Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline
as a backdrop.

“The Pacific Ocean has carved many exciting
features into the rocks of the Marin Headlands,
none more spectacular than the natural arch that
adorns the rocky cove overlooked by the
lighthouse. Long period swell from the north west
is persistent in the winter and south swell is not
uncommon in summer.
“As a general rule, anything more than 10-foot at
10 seconds will shut down all the best features.
There are more complex rock garden areas on
California’s west coast but Point Bonita is all about
power and beauty and should always be treated
with respect.”

www.riverandocean.com

“This fact hints at the potentially treacherous
nature of this unique location. Why unique? Well,
possibly nowhere else do you find the interaction
of the greatest natural forces on earth so
beautifully displayed and yet enhanced by man’s
own contribution.

PADDLERUK 53