Swell at the San Pedro & Santa Monica Buoys was running about 3 feet and the tide was low (0-1.5'), so conditions were a lot better than last time we paddled in this area. Some of the breaks were lighting up pretty good with 4 foot sets in some of the better sections. We didn't have time to do a lot of surfing because of the short daylight, but the tide/swell conditions made for some pretty ideal looking waves at many locations between Point Fermin and White point. One spot that looked especially good for surfing was the beach just NW of point Fermin. One of my maps calls it Point Fermin Park. It has several breaking areas with mostly spilling waves. I'll be going back there under similar conditions.

Point Fermin is always a fun place to play, but today the tide was low enough so that water was breaking/pouring over a reef just off the point. The the remaining surge would push up the rock face of the point and rebound off for some very fun reflecto waves which would then break again going back over the reef. Sitting in the space in between the point and the reef was a wild ride. Mike and I hung out in there for a while, then rode the reflecto back over the reef. Mike went right side up, I went upside-down. Oh well, right side-up or upside-down, the fun meter was pegged!

The punch bowl just NW of point Fermin was the roughest I've seen in in a while. I usually take advantage of the rough water and do rolling practice in there, but today I considered just staying upright was sufficient challenge.

About midway between Point Fermin and white point, mike and I were behind a partially submerged reef when a very large wave almost got Chris on the outside. He just nipped over the top before that thing broke. I'd say it was 6+ feet and probably the biggest wave of the day. It would have made a nice picture because the his whole (17') boat was on the face with a little room to spare. I didn't know you could accelerate that fast with a Greenland paddle. YeHa!

To add it up --> one near miss + several accidental capsizes + one wet exit in shallow water + good scenery + good company = A very fun paddle. Challenging enough so that you had to pay attention, but not so much that you see your life flash before your eyes.

Also, to add my commentary to Anneli's on the Saturday surf paddle: Vickie and I had a great time and enjoyed meeting a lot of new (to us) paddlers. I got to try out a whitewater boat for a few minutes - very fun! I need to find more space in my garage.

Directions: From the 405 Freeway, go south towards San Pedro on the 110 Freeway, which will end and becomes Gaffey, go left on 22nd Street, go right on Pacific Avenue, go left on 36th/ Stephen White Street, go left into Cabrillo Park, and the beach we will be launching from is on the right.

    Steve Brown