CKF Playday
Boats began appearing at 0800 on Hobie Beach. By 0900 we were ready to push
off into Channel Islands Harbor en route to the pond. We held a short
briefing and launched. Twenty-four boats in all. From 8' SOT's to 20'
expedition type boats. Paddlers ranged in experience from almost none to
those who can cross the channels with their eyes closed (figuratively, not
literally). What a group of boats--it far exceeded our expectations for a
turnout.
What did we do? We did it all!!!!!
SOT folk new to paddling learned some basic strokes and paddle control. They
learned to fall off and get back on, to move about on their boats to reach
hatches and basically, to feel comfortable on their boats. the more
experienced helped the less experienced.
Closed deck paddlers who couldn't roll learned to wet entry and roll up using
a paddle float. A few of those used the technique to learn to roll on their
own without the paddle float. Those who could roll--practiced this skill to
become more comfortable with it.
We practiced T rescues and wet exits and paddle float entry. You name it, it
was practiced and done!
We were so busy that most of us missed the dolphin pod that traversed the pond
while we were there. A few of us headed east to Hueneme Buoy. As we returned the
swell had come up a bit and the winds had started. Most of us, though, after 3
hours of in and out and over and paddling thought we had had enough for the day.
We can save the surf for another day.
This was really a fun, wet day. Almost everybody either met or exceeded their
goals for the day. All had a good but thoroughly exhausting time. We landed back
at Hobie about 12:15 but really didn't break until after 1300--there was excitement
and great feelings of accomplishment. Some of us went over to Big Daddy-o's, our
favorite place to end, and celebrated the birthdays of Steve and George.
Everybody learned and everybody shared their skills with one another. Today
was a really great demonstration of teamwork in action. Pete, John and I
thoroughly enjoyed working with everybody. Our thanks to all participants for
joining together and showing what a great group of people this sport brings
together. There will be more in the future.
What a great day on the water!!
Mike Brown
Submitted on August 12, 2001