LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Boaters lap up the last days of summer on the Res


Danville resident Tyler Tsang brings his own electric motor for several hours of fishing at the Res. Photo Pippa Fisher

Although the kids are back in school and Labor Day is over, summer fun doesn't have to be a distant memory. With some of the area's best weather still to come there is always fun to be enjoyed right here in Lamorinda, in Lafayette's jewel - the Res, as it's known. And what better way to relax on a sunny day, than on the water?

"For many visitors, boating provides a different perspective of the park and a great way to experience the natural, serene setting found at Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area," says Ranger Supervisor Matt Sporleder.

That's something that Danville resident Tyler Tsang certainly agrees with. On a recent Saturday he explained that he and his friend had been on the water since 6 a.m. for a half-day of fishing. "We caught seven large mouth bass, one blue gill and a croppie," he said. "We released them though."

Tsang brings his own electric motor, allowed by the park for use in their row boat rental fleet. He explained that the small motor and power supply are affordable and provide enough power on one charge to get right around the reservoir. Tsang says he comes to Lafayette to fish a couple of times a month.

Sporleder says the park recently replaced their fleet of pedal boats in April. Observant residents might have noticed a decided sparkle to the new ones. "We have found that over time, the color and finish of a `sparkly' pedal boat will last longer and look better than a non-`sparkly' pedal boat," explains Sporleder.

He says they are in the process of switching all the old row boats out with new ones too.

"The hull of the new and old rowboats are composed of aluminum. The old rowboats had wooden seat tops and the new rowboats have aluminum seats. The aluminum seats will last longer over time," says Sporleder.

In addition to the pedal and rowboats, they also offer two single and one double kayak for rent. Sporleder says maybe once or twice a year they run out of all 20 pedal boats and have to use a waiting list.

While it hardly comes under the category of extreme water sporting at the Res, Sporleder says that occasionally on very windy days, boaters with limited experience will need assistance returning to the rental dock. "For safety, we will assist, utilizing our powerboat."

In addition to boat rentals available to those 18 and older, the park allows private car-top boats to be launched for a fee.

Full details on all guidelines and rental/launch rates can be found at https://www.ebmud.com/recreation/east-bay/lafayette-reservoir