[Paddlewise] Day #24, Easy Breezy

3/13/08

I was surprised as Barb, Ken and I started our paddle this afternoon that
there was no small craft warning flag flying at the CG Station; the wind was
definitely in that category. We fought the head wind out of the jetty, but
there didn't seem much of a swell making its way into the harbor. Even with
the sun out, it was a bit chilly fighting the wind, but not so bad.

We assumed conditions outside were going to be mild despite the wind, but
then as we neared Pirate's Cove a really nice set of waves came in. Perfect
surfing size and shape, but I was sure I was too late to catch one. Turned
out there were about 6 waves in the set and I was able to get a ride on the
last small one. It was a long wait between the big sets, so we headed out
for a BAR paddle.

Outside the harbor we found conditions mildly challenging and settled in for
what was a slow paddle to BAR. Everyone seemed to want to paddle off by
themselves today, so there wasn't much idle banter going on. The waves were
churning up pretty nicely at BAR as I donned my helmet and headed in. True
friend that he is, Ken let me know ahead of time he wouldn't be coming in to
save me! Tide was too low even if I wanted to do an arch pass, but at least
I hung out for a bit along side. Ken and Bard didn't even want to watch so
kept facing out to see ignoring me. I didn't want Ken to have to test his
mended collar bone with a rescue tow, so I kept my visit short but sweet and
soon we were headed back. We wondered what conditions were going to be like
for Duane's Saturday paddle.

Back at PC, we hung out a bit, but the swells had calmed down considerably.
Ken and I got a couple small rides, but Barb would have none of it and
stayed out practicing different strokes. As we passed the CG Station again,
they'd finally got on the ball and put out the SCW flag. At least the wind
was at our backs and helped blow us back for a safe landing. My hope for
Saturday? Four times the surf and two times the wind--I'm hoping for
something Doug Lloydian.

Mark Sanders
www.sandmarks.net

#
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