[Paddlewise] Being Run Down by Wildlife

Last fall I was paddling in Trinidad Bay, coast of N California, as part of
the paddle fest tours. We weren't really out in open water, hadn't even past
the land mark I think they called mile rock when one of the other shouted
"look at that!" Off near shore was splashing, I could see the white foam
from the activity but not the cause. Someone with good distance vision said
they were Risso's Dolphins. I made note of it and kept paddling since I
couldn't see anything.
I went off by myself, past the rock and out to one of the channel markers,
turned and headed back in to rejoin the now very splintered group. Then I
saw them, six of the creature heading straight at me. I was awestruck, man,
this is better than Marine World. Then I realized they were having a great
time, leaping out of the water, back in leap, and bearing down on me. I
wondered if they were able to see me, I thought probably not and imagined
what it would be like if one of them actually jumped over the kayak. Then I
realized I had a pretty good chance of being hit as they did.

I took the paddle and slapped the water, making a point to hit the boat with
the shaft and made as much noise as possible. They changed their course and
missed me, but they were close enough to see the whites of their eyes.
Eventually my heart returned to normal.

It was the last of the large pod that had come in close to shore that day.
Fishermen who had been there all day said when they first saw the pod it was
probably thirty strong and had spent a bit of time close to their boats.

Mike
San Rafael, CA
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