[CKF Info] Newport 5/4 Trip Report

[Steve Wilson]

Kathy, Henry, Ken, Bob, Mark, Dave, Duane, and Steve paddled briskly out of Newport harbor into some moderately choppy water and head winds this morning. We were headed down toward Laguna. We were out to log some miles. Crossing season is coming. I needed to get the cob webs out. I've paddled once since the first week in February (strike one). 

Saturday I made new heal pads for the Mariner II. I took out the seat that I had carefully customized to hold my hips and cheeks just right. I wanted to try just the thinest piece of foam (strike two). It felt OK sitting in the grass at home for a moment. By the time we pulled out of the jetty my butt was missing it's form fitting friend. Once we were out in the chop I noticed how lose I was in the cock pit. It's like a big lose shoe.

At the launch site I discovered that my paddles were still at home (strike three) (but we've got more to go). I borrowed an old euro paddle from Dave O. I've been paddling exclusively Greenland for some time now. I have a nice new blister. Once you've gone wood it's hard to go back.

We launched about five minutes early. I paddle without a front bulk head (always have). I have never ever failed to fill the giant float bag in the front compartment before today (strike four). The float bag was about 1/3 full, enough to float the boat but not able to displace much water.

At reef point I was a little ahead of the group. I stopped next to the slot and watched some big sets roll through. There was a lull in the sets so I paddled through (strike five). Half way through I though this isn't real smart. I don't have a helmet, and my boat is fitting sloppy. I timed it right and made it through the confused water fine. I don't know if Duane and Mark went inside or not. Just past reef point I looked over to see mark slapped over by a wave. He was in close quarters with Duane but rolled right up completing his second combat roll. Wat to go Mark.

After five strikes I should be out already.

At Abalone point I was just outside the rocks but as it turns out way to close (strike six). I was nailed by a wave and taken right over the rocks. The back of my PFD racked over the rocks (nice scratch marks). I did keep my head on the deck instinctively or this could have been very bad. My paddle hit some rocks as I was setting  up. I bailed out. I new this was a bad spot. I didn't expect anyone to come in after me. It's not a good idea to endanger another paddler. I stared swimming the boat out of the rocks. I looked up and there was a Bright Red Point Bennett beside me. I never let go of my boat or my paddle. In seconds I was back in the boat. Duane was holding our boats together, Dave was towing us out, and I was pumping away. Just like old times. Usually we were just practicing. Duane and I both pumped for a while but with the float bag under inflated in the long bow of this 18' boat I decided to land in the next cove to dump out the water. I had a great ride in and a
 good landing even with the water inside. After I dumped the water and paddled out through the breakers we decided we had all had enough excitement for the day. We paddled back uneventfully. 

Some of us went over to Southwind. Duane put on an excellent rolling demo. He then did the ropes. By then we were all tired. Duane had a full morning, Dave was jet lagged, and I went home, put my custom seat back in the, my paddles are in the boat, and I will be out paddling every week, practicing my rolls on both sides.

Steve W




       
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