Abalone Cove
Seven paddlers met at 10:15 this morning and ventured down the long trail to
Abalone Cove for an 11:00 launch into a 1-2 foot surf. We headed up the coast
toward Point Vincente. The weather was beautiful-sunshine, clear skies, clear and warm water.
Steve Brown began leading me through some of the larger rocky areas while the
others just enjoyed the great paddling weather and water. Pretty soon Steve and
I were going places that he usually ventures into but it was all new to me. I
got to practice low speed bracing and backpaddling and all those good things.
At one point one of our couples turned back leaving just 5 of us to continue
on. We played along the coast through the rocks past the old Marineland site
coming to rest on a sandy beach in a rocky cove for a rest and snack.
After about 1/2 hour we headed back. I followed Steven over a reef into a
pool. As entered over the reef on a swell I turned to my right only to be met
with a breaking wave. I started to brace to side surf but quickly realized I
would be going right into Steve so I capsized, waited for the boat to settle
and rolled up. I think I was more surprised than anyone else that I was able
to do all that!
We continued back to Abolone Cove and slightly past to visit a couple of
caves. After a quick exploration of one of the caves we headed back to
Abalone Beach where we landed well, trudged up the l-o-n-g hill with our boats and home.
I know that I over did it these past few days. Surgery is tomorrow and as I write
this I am waiting for the Vicodan to take effect to kill the pain in my shoulder.
But, I would do it all again for the sport is great, the people that I have paddled
with today, yesterday, the day before, and the weeks before, are the greatest
people to share this great sport with.
Thanks to all--another great day on the water.
Mike Brown
Submitted on September 3, 2001