San Diego Kayaker

'Nuff said

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.

Labels: La Jolla Shores

No Line on the Horizon...

Well, seven of us (Jane, Teresa, Kevin, Thom, Greg, Dennis and I) attempted to continue the annual New Year's Day paddle. But alas we were greeted with a very dense fog. We launched and head south to test the conditions, but by the time we reached the Slide, most felt that this was not the time to be on the water. Five of us did return to the boat ramp, while Thom and Kevin continue to stay out. The rest opted for a warm coffee or to return home and make breakfast for a still sleeping family.

Sunday morning

I missed the traditional New Year's Day paddle due to having a bed full of sad family members dealing with the possibility that our dog had run away the night before. Luckily, Nemo was found.

So last Sunday I decided to grab a short paddle off La Jolla Shores. The ocean was very flat, one of those days that if you timed it right you could launch and not get water into an open cockpit. I cruised toward the caves, then up to the pier. I enjoyed a small swell from the south, so I focused on my timing and strokes to gain some help from King Neptune.

I landed without issue, and headed home.

Southwest Kayak Symposium: Wrap Up

Finally getting around to writing up about the Southwest Kayak Symposium. I headed down to Campland for the Friday night kick off. Enjoyed some nice food and drink with many good friends from near and far. The obvious highlight was Jake's recap of his sojurn.

Saturday was my one class: Intermediate/Advanced Skills. Once the instructors finally showed up, the group broke into two. The guys went with John Carmody, while the ladies paddled off with Paul.

We first spent some time looking at body positions and rotation. This was great because that is an area I am looking to improve over the coming year. The group then headed into the waters off La Jolla Shores. John had us do some quick rescues of himself. We then worked on edging and some boat control. Lunch was had on back on the beach. One of our paddlers did not have a lot of experience landing in the surf, so I spent some time talking him through the how to's.

The afternoon was spent rolling and rescues. A new thing for me, I actually over rolled! I had made my earlier roll with no problem (yea!), but my second attempt went so well, I kept on going. Since we were setting up for some rescue work, it was not an issue, as I needed to go swimming anyway.

We cruised down to the caves to take a look from the outside, too rough to slip into them. I had a bit a water still in the boat, that was making it a bit tough to control. Not as bad as during my 4 star, but enough to make me work my hips.

We landed without a problem, and had a quick debrief.

Labels: Southwest Kayak Symposium