Down at Crystal Cove, Dave suggested we land through the surf. It was dumping at a height of 4-5 feet about 20 yards from the beach. Each of us were able to follow waves in and land just fine. As we took a break on the beach, we saw a lot of waves that would shoot us back to the beach if we tried to punch them. The longshore current in the small white wash area between the breakers and beach was messy too. The launch was going to be a bit tricky, and I reminded Dave that it was his idea to land.

Dave prepared to launch and I took out my camera. Dave floated himself and was getting pushed around in the white wash area, when one wave that hit him drove him towards a rock that was about 3 feet in diameter. He missed it by about a foot. Another wave knocked him over and he pole vaulted off the bottom. Then he made a run to break out and had to punch 4 waves along the way.

I slid off the beach when I thought a set was over, but as soon as I was floating, another set came in. I had to tread water in the small area between the breakers and beach, and watch out for that rock until the set left, and then I sneaked out. Did I mention that my hair didn't get wet?

We got back at about noon, and to our disappointment, the wind didn't kick up until we were loading the kayaks on our trucks. We are going to have to start launching at noon this winter.

    Duane Strosaker - Roll Or Drown