Weekend Haps: Foosball Tourney, Surf Lessons and Lands End Hike

Foosball Tourney

Ready for some foosball action? If so, check out this foos tourney happening tonight in North Beach. Hosted by SFfoos, the competition is open to players of all skill levels. The group is made up of a friendly bunch of players who will not only give you a challenge, but also help you improve your game. If this sounds enticing, swing by Kennedy's Irish Pub and Curry House, 1040 Columbus Ave. (between Chestnut and Francisco streets), in San Francisco. Check the Web site for tournament rules. Tournaments are held on the first and third Thursday of every month. Practice at 6 p.m., registration at 7:30 p.m., tournament at 8 p.m. Entry fee: $5-$15. links.sfgate.com/ZFXQ.

Beginner surf lessons

If you're interested in learning how to ride waves, sign up for this beginner surf clinic. Now, obviously, you're not going to learn how to shred the beastly waves at Maverick's in just two days, but you will learn the basics, such as ocean awareness, wave breaks, ocean conditions, safety in and out of the water, wave etiquette, how to paddle, push up and pop up techniques, and balance. Students will start out riding the shallow whitewater until they feel comfortable venturing farther out. Classes are offered daily, year-round in three locations: Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Each session is three hours long. There's a maximum of four students to each instructor. All gear is provided, but if you own a surfboard or wetsuit, you're welcome to use them. Don't forget your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water and snacks. All instructors are CPR, first aid and lifeguard certified. A two-day clinic costs $170. For info and registration, contact Adventure Out at (800) 509-3954 or e-mail surfing@adventureout.com.

Barbary Coast Trail walking tour

Learn about North Beach's artistic and cultural traditions on this walking tour, which examines everything from the Italian immigrants to the free-spirited Beats. Offered by the San Francisco Museum & Historical Society, participants will tour Washington Square Park, an Italian baker who, believe it or not, still makes bread by hand, and Coit Tower, which is home to fascinating Depression-era murals that depict the city's past. Keep an eye out for Jack Kerouac's ghost on this tour - no joke. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Free. Meet in front of Vesuvio Cafe, 255 Broadway (around the corner from City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave). For more information, call (415) 537-1105 or go to www.sfhistory.org (click on events).

Hike the Lands End trail

Want to get out of the house? Why not go for a leisurely hike at Lands End. With spectacular panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, this 3-mile trail is a favorite of many San Franciscans. On this hike, beginning at Point Lobos and ending at Eagles Point, you'll stroll past the historic Sutro Baths and Legion of Honor, and along cliffs so high that you can barely hear the waves crashing below. Make sure to look closely at the rocky shoreline from Lands End, because you can see the remains of three shipwrecks: the Ohioan, Lyman Stewart and Frank Buck. All three vessels ended their days on the exact same rock off Lands End. If bird-watching is your thing, the area is home to many species. A free downloadable bird guide is available on the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Web site. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers; the coast, as you know, can be quite chilly compared with the rest of the city. By car, park on Point Lobos Avenue, near the Cliff House Restaurant, and walk down by the Sutro Baths and follow trail markers. By public transportation, take the No. 18 or No. 38 Muni bus to the end of the line at Geary and 48th avenues. On-leash canine companions are allowed, just make sure to bring water and pooper-scooper bags. links.sfgate.com/ZFMB.

- Travis Jensen, 96hours@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page G - 33 of the San Francisco Chronicle