Corral Beach
Three of us showed up for a 9 am surf launch through the fog. The surf was
low with a little shore break but we all made it through without a problem.
We paddled out a bit and realized that we were alone in the world with a few
seals and birds. White fog covered all.
Following our compass course of about 270 we paddled smooth, glassy seas with
no wind approaching kayak fishing persons and a few boats along the way. Just
before Paradise Cove the fogs lifted enough to see the shoreline. Not too many
folk out this time of morning.
Just before Paradise Cove we saw a dark form on the surface directly in front
of us that disappeared as we paddled towards it only to rise to the surface
and sink again leaving a large foot print on the surface. I leave it to your
imagination but it was really there.
The calm waters continued to Point Dume where we got just a little chop
directly at the point. There were numerous fisherman on the rocks and
climbers on the steep face of Point Dume. We watched as three SOT's made a
crash and burn launch on their way from Westward Beach to Paradise Cove for
breakfast. No PFD's, of course, or other visible safety equipment.
The beach at Westward beach has a steep slope and there were regular sets of
4' more or less waves. We all landed with almost perfect precision, used the
facilities, ate a snack, and launched without incident back into the sea.
There was a nice current that moved us along well through the clear water.
The water was so clear we could see the bottom and two of us donned face masks
and turned upside down to view the scenery. I guess that scared the fish we
saw from above and they scattered giving us a clear view of the reef below.
We played a little in the water then headed home to Corral Beach. At one
point we were joined by 5 dolphin that swam between us as if we were part of
the ocean and not the interlopers that we are. We still get curious looks
from seals/sea lions and the like.
We landed, one at a time, in a clear spot between groups of people. Of
course, as the boats come in kids think that is a neat place to play. I
landed first and I was guiding the second boat in when a lifeguard approached,
telling me to land where there aren't any kids in future. He grabbed my
attention span long enough so that I missed giving a call to the second boat
and he was hit with a wave and broached but braced well and made a good landing.
The third boat landed without incident.
After we landed and we cleared the beach I approached the life guard and told
him that there were no people there when we began our landing. We did it in a
safe manner, one by one, keeping the immediate area clear for safety while
guiding the remaining boats in. He was sarcastic asking if I were their
teacher or something as any good kayaker doesn't need help. I replied that
this is a standard beaching technique where those on the beach advise the
incoming boats of what is behind them. I tried to explain that by his
interrupting what were obvious signals and voice commands he endangered my
partners who were depending on my signals to safely land but he insisted that
good kayakers don't need help and that it was us that caused a potential
problem but landing. Maybe some informational call to life guard HQ tomorrow
will help.
Anyhow, we cleared the beach having spent a delightful time on the water. The
sun was out when we landed, the water was clear and warm--another good day on
the water.
Sorry many of you weren't there to enjoy it with us.
Mike Brown
Submitted on August 26, 2001