A Special Gathering on Tomales Bay
Paddle, Talk & Book Signing with Obi Kaufmann.
A guided paddle across Tomales Bay, then an intimate conversation, Q&A, and book signing with the acclaimed California artist, naturalist, and bestselling author — at Straus Home Ranch.
Sunday, November 1, 2026 · Miller Boat Launch + Straus Home Ranch
The idea
Experience the place. Then join the conversation.
This isn't just a kayak trip or an author talk. It's an opportunity to experience the landscape first — and then hear from someone who has spent years walking, studying, painting, and writing about it.
There's something different about talking about the natural world after you've spent the morning immersed in it. Paddle the bay. Notice what's around you. Come ashore. Gather around. And spend an afternoon talking about California with someone who has dedicated much of his life to understanding it.
The Experience
One day, three moments
On the Water
Paddle Tomales Bay
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Miller Boat Launch
Start the day where so many great California stories begin: outside. Join our team for a guided paddle on Tomales Bay — we'll slow things down, explore together, and experience the landscape from the water.
All kayaking and safety equipment is provided. No previous kayaking experience is necessary.
At the Ranch
Gather at Straus Home Ranch
2:00 – 4:00 PM · Straus Home Ranch
After the paddle, we'll come together at Straus Home Ranch for light refreshments and an intimate conversation with Obi — watercolor, science, history, ecology, and storytelling.
Not a traditional lecture — a conversation, with time for questions, discussion, and connecting with fellow California-curious guests.
The Signing
Meet Obi + Book Signing
We'll conclude the gathering with a book signing and an opportunity to meet Obi. Books will be available for purchase directly from Obi at the event.
Please note: books are sold separately and are not included with your event ticket.
Choose Your Experience
Two ways to join us
Paddle + Talk
$145
per person
Experience the complete day on Tomales Bay. Your ticket includes:
- Guided Tomales Bay kayak paddle
- Kayak, paddle, PFD, and required safety equipment
- Admission to Obi Kaufmann's talk
- Audience Q&A
- Access to the book signing
- Light refreshments
- Time to gather and connect at Straus Home Ranch
Space for the paddle is extremely limited
Book the Full ExperienceTalk + Q&A + Book Signing
$40
per person
Want to join us on land? Meet us at Straus Home Ranch for the afternoon gathering with Obi Kaufmann. Your ticket includes:
- Obi Kaufmann's talk
- Audience Q&A
- Access to the book signing
- Light refreshments
- Time at Straus Home Ranch
Books will be available for purchase separately, directly from Obi.
Reserve Your Seat
Obi painting in the field
About Obi Kaufmann
California, seen as a living landscape.
Obi Kaufmann is an award-winning California artist, naturalist, adventurer, and bestselling author known for exploring the natural world through a distinctive combination of art, science, maps, ecology, and storytelling.
His work invites us to look more closely at California — not simply as a collection of destinations, but as a vast, interconnected living landscape. For this special gathering, we're bringing that conversation to Tomales Bay.
Event Details
What to know before you come
Date
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Guided Paddle
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Miller Boat Launch
Talk + Reception
2:00 – 4:00 PM · Straus Home Ranch
Ranch Address
22888 State Route 1, Marshall, CA
Full Experience
$145 per person
Talk Only
$40 per person
Books will be available for purchase separately from Obi Kaufmann. Additional information regarding parking, what to bring, paddle conditions, and event-day logistics will be emailed to registered guests before the event.
Conditions & safety
All experiences are weather-, tide-, permit-, and condition-dependent. Kayak + Connect may delay, modify, relocate, reschedule, or cancel an experience when conditions are not safe or appropriate. Forecasts are advisory; actual conditions at the launch site and on the water guide final decisions.
Age & participation
- Daytime tours: generally ages 7 and older.
- Night and bioluminescence tours: ages 13 and older due to reduced visibility, cooler conditions, and the need for attentive listening and safety awareness.
- Guests ages 7-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and may be assigned to a tandem kayak with an adult.
- Final participation and boat assignments remain at the discretion of guides and management based on conditions, route, guest fit, and safety.
Join us on Tomales Bay.
Sunday, November 1, 2026 · Paddle + Talk: $145 per person · Talk Only: $35–$40 per person. Limited availability.
Choose Your Experience