Topanga Beach
Six paddlers met at Topanga Beach this morning. The water was clear, the sun was shining, the tide was out and the surf with a predictable pattern of set. We launched one by one with Chris pushing everybody off between the swells. I was paddling backwards using a bracing stroke and lean when a swell hit me zigging when I should have been zagging turning me upside down. I settled, set up and rolled up and realized that the water isn't that cold when you don't think about it ahead of time but I declined to repeat the act as it took me a bit to warm up.

We paddled west, up the coast, heading into a gentle breeze and clear water. The Coast Guard broadcast surf warnings for the central coast and northwesterly winds for later in the day so we kept a close eye on the cloud movement. We kept an easy pace just enjoying the sun, clean air and gentle waters.

We ran into several dolphin and then the rest of the pod that swam around and underneath our boats. We were obviously in one of their favorite feeding grounds and they stayed in the immediate area as we paddled on.

We paddled the almost 7 miles to Malibu Pier and beached on the very steep beach. We relaxed, ate a few snacks, etc., then prepared to launch which was very uneventful. We paddled back with the swell and wind at our backs. We ran into our dolphins again as they thrashed around in the water. One did a full vertical jump out of the water. We watched for a while then headed south (east) back to the launch site. The surf had picked up and Pete made a great broach landing. The rest of us landed without incident.

This was another great day on the water. A little chilly at first but it warmed up nicely. The water was warmer than it had been and the company was great.

After we had packed our boats and gear away we gathered to talk for a few minutes reflecting on the last year or so. We have come a long way as a group and as individuals. Our endurance has increased from paddling just 2 miles 2-3 years ago to major channel crossing. Our skills have increased from being afraid of boat wakes to seeking out the rougher waters from time to time and really enjoying the triumph over what we once feared. Accepting that King Neptune is an unforgiving monarch but preparing as much as possible for his acts.

More than all of that is the camaraderie that has developed, not only locally but up the coast of California and to south of the border. The issuance of an email on the lists regarding an upcoming trip will bring invitations from locals to join them in addition to information as to where to go.

We have become friends, some of us have become organizers of sorts, others have become teachers and we have all learned from each other. It is only with friends that you can feel comfortable learning and developing new skills, sometime failing, without being embarassed or subject to ridicule. It is abhorrent to think that any of us would ever intentionally lead others into danger or, when things get rough, leave someone to their own devices when they are at risk. Enough said on this matter.

To all those that endulge in this sport, whether fair weather paddlers or dyed in the wool paddlers who are searching for a hurricane to roll their boats in, I have a New Years Wish: That we continue to paddle together, improving our skills and continuing to develop an ever widening circle of friends to share our days on the water with.

    Mike Brown

Submitted on December 24, 2001