Along the southern shores of Lake Tahoe is a small stretch of beach, this is Baldwin Beach and where this paddle trip begins. It follows the shoreline around the bend and into the more protected Emerald Bay. As you round the bend at Eagle Point, watch for ospreys nesting in the trees above. The first half of the paddle is exposed to the open lake where you will find the most interference with winds and waves. Strong winds develop mid morning and don't generally die down until early afternoon. Lake Tahoe is also a popular place for motorized boats, stay close to the shoreline to avoid water traffic. Although it is best to travel along the shoreline, you may find yourself battling waves and bouncing off rocks. The best time to hit the water is in the early morning or late afternoon when the waves and winds are not as bad.