Corral (Canyon) Beach
Six paddlers arrived at the life guard tower at the beach opposite Corral
Canyon at about 0830. We looked at the small surf, clear water with calm
surface and thought of the nice easy paddle ahead. We launched without
incident and proceeded up the coast toward Point Dume. Within a short period
of time we began to notice a little wind and a little swell. This little
breeze turned into 20-25 knot winds and the slight swell became a nice pattern
starting with a little bump to a terminal large swell with increasing white caps.
A couple of the group had paddled more coastal and the rest of us joined them
in the lee of Point Dume. We were hoping for the appropriate scenery at
Pirate's Cove but no such luck.
We turned back just before entering the winds at the point keeping a more
coastal attitude on the return than we did paddling up. Again, the following
seas at our location was just enough to keep things interesting.
We decided to take a little break at Paradise Cove. This is a nice beach but
somewhat steep. We did impress the local natives with our great landing
skills, spoke with a few of them, then headed out. All the launches were
perfect leaving our reputations intact.
The seas and surf increased as we approached Corral. We lined up like a bunch
of curious cows until the first person decided to lead the way. Pat Martin
led us all in through a good surf with just a little dump to it. The group
made a good demonstration to all present of head on landings, side surfing
landings and some good bracing with all landing perfectly.
We were out about 4 hours, had some good exercise with some neat seas, did not
see much wildlife but we did have a lot of fun.
It was a very good day.
Mike Brown
Submitted on July 8, 2001