Around the Cove...

Facing incredibly high surf and monstrous swells, I launch from La Jolla Shores. Ok, although it was high tide, I launched into fairly calm water through an almost absent surf. I fact, I did not even secure my spray skirt when launching.

I paddled down toward the caves, but with the very high tide, I could see that they would be closed out. Head seaward a bit, but paddling solo keep me within a safety zone. About reaching the point, I then turn northward to make a run up to the pier. The barking sounds of seals carried across the water. Hundreds of sea birds sat peaceful on the water and I cruised through the water.

Once I reached the pier I turned westward a bit and round the park boundary marker. The lifeguards keep warning surfers of the rip currents, as I paddled back toward the point. Doubling back, I then landed back at the boat ramp.

Not a lot of miles, but some very beautiful ones.

GGKS warmup

John B., Teresa, Jane, Peggy and I launched near high tide at La Jolla Shores to get a little more time practicing before GGKS. We paddled up past the pier to warm up. There we were greeted with several dolphin, seals and birds enjoy a school of bait fish.

We then headed back toward La Jolla Point, the swell was way up. The waves were booming on the cliffs. Peggy positioned us for a shot. I hope it turned out. We then moved closer to the Marine Room to do some rolls and general play. I missed my roll. As I was looking for Peggy's bow, which I knew to be right there, I pop out of my boat. I tried the new outside leg re-entry, but with my high volume boat, no luck. So I did a flawless back deck re-entry. It was one of the easiest ones I had ever done. Unfortunately, I did not put my sunglasses away, and they are resting comfortably with King Neptune.

An easy landing back at the beach, then down to Squires for a coffee. I did see Kevin Towers walking by, but was unable to thank him for his work with the Padres.

WhaleQuest

This morning, Jane Hardy rallied 11 SD paddlers at the La Jolla Shores Boat Launch in hopes of viewing Grey Whales on their southern migration. Those in attendance were Jane, Teresa, Mike B, John and Lori, Curt, Jim A, John O, John B, Steve H, and me. Recently, Greys have been spotted from both boats and the cliffs of Point Loma.

The normally docile launching area at the foot of Avenida De La Playa was complicated today because of a pushing 7'4" high tide that had shut off vehicle access, flooded the area, and piled up a ton of slippery seaweed and other nasty stuffl. Boats were staged on the promenade and had to be lifted over the seawall to whatever uncovered areas could be found. Although the surf was relatively small, the high tide could quickly turn you sideways as you launch.

The paddle itself was uneventful. We went out a couple miles, headed north, peeled our eyes, and paddled back. No greys were spotted but we almost saw some. We did see a lot of dolphins and some chose to buzz us as we headed back. By the time we returned, the tide had receded and there was more than enough beach to land on. Rather than the normal process of leaving boats at the launch and walking back to retrieve cars from the LJS parking, most chose to gang carry a long line of kayaks past a number of amused tourists and park users. A debriefing was held at Squires Coffee Shop in La Jolla. 

Photos courtesy of John B.

Sunday at the Shores

Finally had a chance to get on the water, so I headed down to the Shores. There was an almost 7 foot high tide, so there wasn't a lot of beach to launch from. The surf was quite small, but i still grabbed my helmet since I was planning on being near the caves and paddling solo.

I launched between the few waves, in fact I didn't even get my skirt fastened. I cruised down toward the caves. I was actually feeling a little wave reflection from the various sea walls, and cliffs since the tide was so high. I paddled along the caves, then turned past the point and headed toward the Children's Pool. I was no hurry, so I enjoyed the view from the water. I then head back to the cove, to play along the caves a bit more.

I needed to head back home since I had some family duties, and landed quickly on the sand. When I pulled up in my car to load up my boat, Jake from Aqua-Adventures was getting ready to take a student out to learn about surf launches and landings. We chatted a bit about gear and what it takes to be prepared on the water. In contrast, one of the local tour companies was getting ready to launch. Their guide was in board shorts, a bikini top, a basic PFD and a tow line. Meanwhile, we had repair kits, spare equipment, rescue devices, and more. I will admit she was nice to look at than Jake ;), but would rather be on the water with him.



As an aside, during the Monday Night Football game, they ran some local footage bumpers when coming back from commercials. One of the clips, was of two kayakers at La Jolla Shores looking out from the Sunny Jim Cave. Yup, it was Jake and his student. I knew I should have gone back out with them!

Sunday Morning @ La Shores

I meet up with Mike, Bob, and Claire to do some paddling from La Shores. We meet at 8am and were quickly on the water. Mike had lost a tow belt a few days earlier over by the caves so we headed over just to take look. Alas, no belt was found on the rocky beach. So we then turn northward toward Scripps Pier.

There a touch of a westerly swell, giving us about 3 foot seas. There was also a bit of wind coming from the west as well. We paddled in pairs as we rode the swells. When a good set rolled through we would lose sight of the other group. When we reached the pier, we took stock of the conditions. I voted to head back and enjoy the cove some, Bob agreed wondering about the wind picking up. Mike and Claire opted to head north a bit. We had some miscommunication about this. But through the miracle of VHF, Bob and Mike got things sorted out.

Bob and I decided to return back to the Caves and cruise by them. Neither had of us had a helmet and the conditions were not too favorable for poking our noses in them.

We paddled back to the launch point, and waited for a window to land. We waited a bit as we saw how the sets were coming in. Jay went first without too much trouble. I was just at the edge of the surf line, when I nice set rolled in. I was able to back paddle over the first two, but the third one was going to try to get me. I planted a nice high brace, rode it a bit, then was able to sweep my boat into a nice ride. My boat began to turn toward the left and I planted a simple low brace and side surf the last bit in. I was very happy with managing that landing.

We kept an eye out for Mike and Claire, but I knew that Mike would be fine on the water. I loaded up and said my goodbyes to Bob. Now where to paddle on Tuesday??

Happy New Year! Paddle #1

One of my goals this year is to paddle my age. So, to start things off right I join several members of the San Diego Kayak Club at La Jolla Shores for an easy paddle along the coast. A total of seven paddlers launched into the cool and foggy Pacific Ocean. We estimated that we had about 50 feet of visibility. We successfully found the Scripps Pier and continued northward, guided by our compasses. After about an hour, my elbow was feeling a bit a tight, and there was not a lot of sight seeing to be had, so we turned back toward La Jolla. Mike and Pete opted to continue northward for a bit. As we turned southward, the fog slow started to lift.

We landed without incident. In fact some took the opportunity to play in the surf. I caught a nice wave into the shore. I had to head home to get ready to take the family up to Disneyland to celebrate the twins 8th birthday.

We learned later that Dom Lemarie had taped our launch. Here is the video on YouTube. I'm the first one launching.

Forty paddles to go....

San Diego Surf Shindig

I'm stealing the title of this blog post from Mark Sanders.

The San Diego Kayak Club organized another surf day at La Jolla Shores. Since Jane was kind enough to grab a spare helmet from Aqua Adventures, I head down to the boat launch. I unloaded my boat, then parked over in the lot. I quickly changed and headed back down to the beach. I knew I could not stay long since I had a family commitment at 9:30. As I returned, Neil was unloading his boat, and then Mark Sanders (a fellow CKFer from the OC) pulled up. I gave him some info on parking, bathrooms, etc. One other fellow was also launching there in his small boat. I pointed out where the rest were playing, and he headed the 300 yards south.

Once Neil and Mark were back, I pushed off. I saw Jane on the beach, and caught a perfect wave right in. Kept the boat straight the whole ride. I don't think I had ever done that before. We walked up the narrow path by the Marine Room to her car and grabed the helmet.

I headed back out to rejoin the other paddlers. The long boats stayed north of the buoy, while the sport boats enjoyed the waters to the south. Neil caught quite a few nice rides. I saw Mark enjoy some as well. I had a few attempts, but the timing was just a bit off. It is nice to play in the surf and get a feel for moving your boat around when the waters are not flat.

About half way through the day, I was riding a larger wave in (2-3 feet I guess, but I'm not good at estimating wave height). I start to brace into the wave as it begins to break. I think I over reached and rolled over. Crud. However, my paddle was stuck in the sand. I really did not want to break my paddle. So I'm trying to pluck the blade out, and in doing so the other blade now get's stuck in my deck lines. I'm able to free it, but there is not a lot of air left in my lungs. I make a rushed attempt at a roll, but pretty much know that I'm practicing a wet exit.

So I swim my boat back to shore. Jay gave me hand in dumping out the water. Jay had been out a few times, and was sitting out for bit. I paddled back out and began to look for my next wave. I caught one or two more waves before I had to call it a day. I paddled back toward the boat launch area, and caught one last nice wave in. I really need to get a helmet!

Mark took some video from the day with his rig. I think I had already left. View it here, http://sandmarks.vidshadow.com

Surf Day at the Shores

The San Diego Kayak Club hosted a "Play in the Surf" day down at La Jolla Shores. So, with the alarm going off way too early on a Saturday morning, I rolled out of bed, kissed my wife good-bye and headed down to the water.

I opted to unload at the boat ramp at La Jolla Shores instead of the access point next to the Marine Room. Hauling my 18 1/2 foot Chilco, down those stairs is no fun. I ran into Tom who was also following suit. We could see some folks already gathering down the beach. I parked the car and quickly changed into my gear.

Unfortunately there was almost no surf to be had. I wished I had brought some water along to go out and do some milage rather than play in the surf. We carried the boats down to the Marine Room, carefully not to wake the sleeping homeless.



After some quick introductions and hellos to old friends, we launched out into the water. There was a variety of boats, Don in his SOT, several surf kayaks, and a couple other long boats.



Our first swimmer was Jane, as she was riding a nice wave in. I was able to catch a few small rides here and there. I also took this time to practice various strokes in the surf zone (if you could call it that).

On one wave, I did over reach my brace a bit and started to go over. My paddle and I were stuck in the sand. I thought about using the paddle to snap back up, but thought about breaking the blade. So I grabed a breath, and rolled. I was nice to have that confidence in your skills. I slid the paddle into an extended position, and up I came. Several folks were impressed. I thought my form was a bit off. My blade dove a bit too much for my liking.

I ended a bit early, hoping that I might make it home to attend shul. I bid farewell to the folks, who I hear continued on for about another hour. As I easily landed back at the boat ramp, I reflected a bit on how more comfortable I am after just a few times working in the surf. All in all it was a beautiful start to what would be a great day.