Kiddee Beach
10 kayaks with 11 paddlers (a closed deck tandem with father & daughter) met and launched from Kiddee Beach in weather that we wished for all summer. The sky was clear, the sun was out, the water, well, could have been a little warmer and cleaner in places. We headed out almost due east to Hueneme Buoy. The Lone Ranger, now with trusty sidekick Tonto, were more coastal to the rest of us. There was a nice gentle swell and pace, though relaxing, was brisk in retrospect. We stopped at the buoy and made fools of ourselves with the young seal population. The old bull that used to take up over half the buoy was not around. We did a little rolling for the seals pleasure then continued on or way to the power station east of Port Hueneme.

At the "intake" buoy we stopped and kicked back for a few then headed back. We probably would have gone a little further but the weather forcast was for an increasing wind in our face.

We started out coastal and some of our party stayed that way while some of us drifted out a little and took a more direct route. This was like paddlers heaven--we talked, paddled, enjoyed the great weather and great water conditions. At the Channel Islands Harbor entrance we met a couple more of our regular folk who appeared on Mango Orange SOT's to add to their boat barn. Some ended their paddle and headed in after the 7+ mile paddle and the rest of us headed to the pond for some rolling practice, learning new techniques (storm roll) and just plain shmoozing on the water.

We headed in at about 1315 hours after over 4 hours on the water. It was hard to come back in because of the great water and company but, like all good things, that part of the day had come to an end.

Some of us headed over to Big Daddy-o's for a bit of lunch and more talk breaking up around 1430 and heading home.

Another great day on the water--this is what life is all about. When I read the advertisements for "weekend get-aways" and the like for folks who are city bound I thank the "great gods and wee fishes" that have brought me to this sport and the people who are in it. Four hours on a Sunday morning in the water, under almost any conditions, is enough to refresh the mind and spirit to begin the week anew.

Keep the flat side up!

    Mike Brown

Submitted on January 15, 2002