We paddled the 1 nm to Bluff Cove and tried to figure out this surfing thing. Duane and Hugh of course made it look easy. Steve Brown had picked well, conditions were good, not too big to be intimidating but enough to get some good rides. I'm glad we didn't have a bigger group as the cove is kind of small, especially if you want to avoid the board-surfer area. Plenty of dumps and re-entry or roll practice. Surfing is great incentive to learn or perfect one's roll, the alternative is too much work, except for the SOTs. They just hope back on. However, they end up in the water a lot more as even with thigh straps the white water would just knock them off the boat. You pay your money and take your choice. Richard wore small fins to help him swim fast & catch his SOT boat if necessary, looked like a good idea. Harry and Steve Nestel came by to say hi, but kept their wood boats out of harm's way.

By 3:30 we had basically had enough fun and headed back. Again I took the laissez faire approach to landing. Getting back in through surf is usually harder than going out, and after the first dump Mike Brown started to guide people using the special Oxnard paddle signal method. Personally I don't have clue one how to read them, I use hand signals (yes, I do sometimes help).

Everyone seemed to have a good time, with no damage to persons or equipment. Beginners & experts all caught some rides, and it was a good way to get used to dealing with breaking waves in controlled conditions. Seas are going to start picking up as winter conditions move in. More fun ahead!

    Anneli Kyner