The tide was in and there was a little surf break in the cyclic 2-4' surf. We launched at 0915 due to late arrivals and nobody really being in a hurry.

The water was so clear I could see schools of fish swimmning below and the reefs clearly underneath me as we paddled along. The water was clear but C-O-L-D.

We continued up the coast past Paradise Cove and Point Dume. Still, nothing but a slight breeze. The surf was up a little here so we paddled up to Zuma Beach where we landed on a steep beach with short shore break avoiding the sequenced bigger breakers. One combat roll on the way in by an off timed wave. We relaxed a few, ate some snacks, conversed with the local life guard and prepared to launch. It was a wet launch but we all made it. One dump, one roll and a lot of wet punches through the increasing waves as the tide went out.

The trip back was really uneventful. There was a slight following swell which allowed some increased speed as we paddle on the swell tops. A couple of us, having been somewhat depressed by our failing rolls of the last few weeks did a little rolling practice and completed them all!!!! Rolling in 50-52 degree water is an experience.

It really makes me wonder. Here we were in wet suits, paddle jackets with heavy duty rash guards, etc., and the water was cold. Yet we saw two guys on SOT's paddling. One of Zuma wearing nothing but a swim suit. As we got our gear up at the end we saw a Malibu Colony person come in with nothing but T shirt and shorts. This but a week after losing somebody in the same area. What am I missing here?

This was such a great day that a few of us had problems leaving. Such a beautiful day--good weather, good beaches, good seas and, most of all, good folks to share it with.

    Mike Brown