Oakland camp threatened because of rogue boats
Oakland camp may have to cancel activities because of rogue boats
An Oakland youth rowing camp may have to cancel activities on Monday after organizers determined it is no longer safe to launch their watercraft from a blocked public dock.
OAKLAND, Calif. - An Oakland youth rowing camp may have to cancel activities on Monday after organizers determined it is no longer safe to launch their watercraft from a blocked public dock.
Conflict at Jack London Aquatic Center
What we know:
The conflict is centering on the Jack London Aquatic Center, where three large, unauthorized boats have taken over the public dock space since Friday. Beyond tying up their vessels, the boaters have allegedly cluttered the public dock with large personal items, including furniture and carts. While one boat was moved to another dock on Monday morning, two remaining vessels and various items continue to obstruct the area.
Under local regulations, vessels are only permitted to tie up to the public dock for four hours and can remain in the estuary for a maximum of 12 hours.
East Bay Rowing Club members reported that they have been threatened by the boaters when attempting to utilize the docks.
While the boat operators declined an official interview Monday morning, they expressed apologies and stated they were working to vacate the space.
The East Bay Rowing Club sent KTVU these photos of three large boats that have taken over the public dock since June 19, 2026. They are also taking over the dock space with their large items like furniture, carts, and other items.
The club has rented the facility from the City of Oakland for over 15 years and organizers say they have been reporting similar dock issues for the past two years.
"I've been in contact with the marine patrol officer, but he also says, 'it's only me and I'm only one person,'" said Heather Krakora, Executive Director of the East Bay Rowing Club. "They've also limited his hours to Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... because of the budget."
"It's not a good look. It can be unsafe," said Chris Hoeper-Tomich, Berkeley High crew coach. "The people out here, these are their homes. They are sinking, they are not pleased about it as one could imagine, so I feel for that. But it's very difficult to work through the situation and the kids are impacted by it. They do feel unsafe at times, especially if it's a smaller group of people. I only have four athletes here today. Yeah, they are uncomfortable."
Club leadership confirmed that Monday's "Learn to Row" camp for participants aged 12 to 18 will still take place, but operations will remain strictly on land. Parents have already been notified of the change. According to organizers, even experienced rowers would struggle to safely navigate a launch from the docks in their current state.
As a temporary solution, Lake Merritt has offered the use of its docks as an alternative for the club starting Tuesday.
The Oakland Police Department's maritime officer has been notified of the situation. While citations ordering the vessels to leave have been posted on the remaining boats, it remains unclear if those notices are recent or from a previous incident.
The Source: East Bay Rowing Club, Chris Hoeper-Tomich, Berkeley High crew coach, visual evidence