Cabrillo to Smugglers Cove
Five paddlers meet for an early morning paddle from Cabrillo to Smugglers cove this Sunday July 7. There was a mild breeze, smooth a glass seas, and waves at launch were about one to two feet. All the makings for a great morning paddle. There were some incidents to start the paddle out. First the one paddler who always preaches promptness and is usually half an hour early to everything was late. Second the most expreainced surfer set up for his launch to far out in the surf line and was sucked into a wave before he could attach his spray skirt. Even a two-foot wave will swamp a boat. He didn't capsize but did need to drain his boat on the beach.

Things calmed down considerably from then, and we enjoyed a leisurely paddle along the scenic Palos Verdies coastline to Smugglers and an easy landing in its protected cove. There was plenty of rock gardening to explore, and it was tempting, but we stayed out of the rocks. Fiberglass boats and rocks don't mix. Also rocks and bodies are not a great combination either. The paddle back was smooth but the seas did pick up. The skies were still overcast when we returned to Cabrillo and the lack of swimmers enabled us to do about 45 minutes of surf practice in the 2 to 3 foot seas. Carnage was minimal with only a couple out of boat experiences. Without exception we had a great time playing with boats in the waves.

Another good day on the water. Mike Brown and Patrick Martin are hosting another paddle here next Sunday. If you have the time I would encourage you to join them. I'll be out of town so I won't be able to make it.

Dave O'Connor
Steve Wilson
Duane Strosaker
John Desbrow
Sandy Mayuga

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.

    Dave O'Connor

Submitted on July 8, 2002