Santa Barbara to Carpenteria
I launched at 12:00 today from Santa Barbara Harbor and headed to
Carpenteria. The winds were kicking up a bit and made for an interesting
solo trip for the approximate 15 mile round trip paddle.
The red tide is still in and although it makes for a pretty night paddle, it
just looks muddy during the day. There were wind waves and some small chop
during the paddle but nothing to really worry about. I passed several SOT
Scuppers along the way and I was having a great time in the sun and mild winds.
As I passed Butterfly Beach, the tourist and locals were out and enjoying the
afternoon on the beach. I headed out about 1 to 1.5 miles and paddled the
coast to Loon Point Beach and put in for a break. There were several beach
goers and a few fishermen surf casting there. The surf was 1 to 3 feet for
my beach landing and they all seemed interested in this new sight of a lone
yaker surfing in.
I launched again and headed for Carpenteria State Beach past the homes of
several famous locals with their private beaches. What a life these folks
have and how privileged I am to be able to share a small part of it I thought
as I paddled by.
I turned and headed back towards Santa Barbara for a bit of an uphill paddle
home. I decided that I was alone and not really confined to anyone's
schedule and just enjoyed the return trip at my own pace. Oddly enough, I
seem to paddle at a faster pace when alone I decided. This is not really
intentional but it seems to work out that way for me.
I landed back in Santa Barbara Harbor a little tired but smiling after having
been on the water enjoying a beautiful day. There was zero marine life along
the way of the entire trip. I contribute this to the winds, lack of kelp and
the sea conditions. What a wonderful afternoon...
Gregg
Submitted on July 11, 2001