[Paddlewise] Pirate's Cove Rocks!!!

When Ken and I set out at 3pm today, we could see a nice sized swell 
rolling down the jetties. We quickly decided to forgo BAR and go check 
out what the Wedge was dredging up. As we paddled along the inside 
channel, we could see whitewater shooting up from the other side to 
indicate some big waves. We made the turn to find a large crowd lining 
the beach waiting for carnage and 5 or 6 heads bobbling about in the 
surf line. There were some nasty looking brutes hitting the sand, but 
they didn't have much form, so I don't think anyone was getting any 
rides. A TV van had its satellite antenna up, so I ticked off a couple 
rolls outside hoping to make it on TV.

We decided to head for the Balboa pier against a choppy, quartering sea 
and a mild head wind. It was hard to gauge the waves hitting the beach, 
but the amount of foamy water reaching high on the beach suggested a bit 
of power behind them. It was quick work to make the pier, where had it 
been a bit calmer, we might have gone up to have a Ruby Burger. As it 
was, I showed off a couple more rolls for the fishermen and tourists 
hob-nobbing from the rail.

Back in the harbor, there was quite a bit of swell hitting Pirate's Cove 
and Ken took advantage to surf it over the rocks into the swim area. It 
seemed to me a good day to try a seal landing on some of the rocks 
outside and my first attempt was quite impressive! I had hoped to make 
it up to a small ledge, but with more water coming than I expected, I 
was pushed up quite deep in a crevice. I was wondering if I'd ever get 
out, but the next swell obliged me and I was able to remove myself safely.

I wanted to play some more, so I called Ken over to spot me and tried to 
recreate my last pose. The swell was a bit weak, so I had to settle for 
some fun wash overs. I guess Ken wasn't too impressed and moseyed off, 
while turned on my camera hoping to catch a good one. I picked a couple 
waves that weren't big enough and as the second one ebbed it left me 
high and dry and over I went! I was quite jammed in the rocks and decide 
to go with a wet exit rather than thrash my paddle against the sharp 
rocks. That's what happens when your rock garden with a pretty wooden 
paddle!

So, I was out of my boat standing on a rocky ledge and I couldn't see 
Ken anywhere. Conditions were quite benign, so I wasn't worried, I was 
just having a good time. But down the channel, I saw the Life Guard boat 
heading in and knew they would want to check me out. Ken showed up on 
cue as the boat came by to ask me if I was OK and I told them Ken would 
have me back in in no time! Then they asked if we'd been riding into the 
swimmer's zone! I was able to tell the truth that I had been on the 
outside and they said yes, but what about your friend!!! I pleaded the 
fifth and they good heartedly told us to keep the area safe for the 
swimmers, although there weren't any swimmers around to endanger!

Back in my boat, I left my spray skirt off and we headed home. After a 
ways I was trying to fix my backband and went for another swim, so we 
got to practice another T. I promised not to fall over again and we made 
it home promptly. Turns out you can have fun in the harbor!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xfr7qCc054

Mark Sanders
www.sandmarks.net

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