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 6 to 17 years old and for adults who want to join them.
Ages: Kids 6 - 17
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!
Group 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 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 during light rain and weather conditions, but routes may be adjusted based on wind, tides, and Bay conditions. In rare unsafe weather conditions, we’ll reschedule.
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We do not offer refunds or credits for cancellations made within 14 days of the event start date. If you need to cancel or reschedule more than 14 days before your event begins, please contact us as soon as possible.
Best Paddling Camp in Alameda
Each day, campers ages 6 - 14 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
What Parents Are Saying
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My kids literal favorite week ever. He keeps asking if he can sign up for another week!
I actually get tears in my eyes when I write this because he was nervous at first and I worried that I had signed a six-year-old up for something two immense, but literally Victoria and her amazing team of teachers changed his outlook and gave him more confidence than I could ever give him alone. They kayaked, but mostly paddle boarded, which was everybody's favorite and now he's asking me to get him a paddleboard! I really can't say enough good things. I normally don't leave my kids with people that aren't family but immediately the team felt like a little cohort of marine explorers and everyone seemed to really care about everyone else. Victoria is so conscious about safety and is constantly reminding the kids to put on sunscreen so much so that they can guess what she's about to say lol! I am not concerned at all about safety when I know such competent teachers are with my kids and I'm so happy that his introduction to Alameda has been so beautiful.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Alexandria
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I don’t write reviews often, but I really want to share this five-star review for the stand-up paddleboard summer camp by Gaia Guides.
It was an absolute delight for my child, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. First and foremost, the camp's staff exceeded all expectations. They were incredibly friendly, professional, and dedicated to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of every camper. Another aspect that stood out was the camp's dedication to providing a fun and educational experience. The instructors not only taught stand-up paddleboarding skills but also instilled a love and appreciation for nature and outdoor activities. It was incredible to witness my child's growth and development in both physical and mental aspects.
I highly recommend this camp to parents looking for a fun, educational, and memorable summer camp experience for their children.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Jessica
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This is one of the camps my child wants to attend every summer.
She has a blast every session she goes. I know sometimes the summer is grey and cold but don't worry, they provide wetsuits for the kids. Just be sure to bring some warm clothes to change into after taking the wetsuit off. The staff actively monitor the water and weather and they will plan activities and paddles based on the water conditions. That can be anything from paddling to the Hornet, SUP yoga to SUP Olympics. Last by not least, all the instructors are super nice and wonderful people.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Sharon