Gaviota to Point Conception
Six paddlers coming from the San Fernando Valley to San Luis Obispo met at Gaviota State Beach and were actually launched at 0900 through a calm surf. There were 4 closed deck boats and 2 SOT's. At launch there was just a hint of a head wind and some mild rolling seas. This was a "pleasure cruise" and we spent a lot of time enjoying the pods of dolphin feeding in small groups along the way in addition to us being the center of attention to the many harbor seals and sea lions in the kelp beds. There were large schools of "bait fish" breaking the surface which were also attracting large groups of sea birds.

There was no hint of the predicted rain clouds, the water was clear, the sun was shining and the winds steadily increased as progressed up the coast. It became apparent that the winds were getting to one of the SOT paddlers who had to work hard to keep up in/on his Cobra Tandem, not a rocket ship with two on board, less so with one, even as powerful as its paddler. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the other SOT sprinted ahead and was waiting for us on a beach about 5 or so miles up the coast.

A single Otter was spotted and we waited for him/her to surface again but he/she was gone. We started up again through and around the large kelp beds. I headed for the outside and I was surprised by what I thought were two small seals "fishing" which turned out to be the elusive sea otters.

Because of our slow pace enjoying the antics of the dolphins and seals it was about noon when we reached the border of the Hollister Ranch and the Cojo. We figured our distance to Point Conception and decided that we could make the point if we picked up our pace a bit but we would still be pushing dark by the time we reached Gaviota. The Cobra was working hard by this time in the 15 kt head winds and the decision was made to take a break and head back.

We made a successful landing on a flat beach with a volley ball court about a mile or so east of Hollister and enjoyed the facilities and a snack. The surf was a little tricky because it came in at an oblique angle and there were several sand ledges. Basically, though, it was an okay launch by all concerned and we headed home.

Again, we were enthralled by the antics of the dolphin pods. At one point it appeared that the dolphins and seals were either working together to herd fish for dinner or the seals were trying to get into he act and the dolphins were split between herding and chasing the seals.

A little further on, a seal surfaced with a fish in his mouth to stare at the human intruders only to be attacked by gulls trying to get his catch from him. The winds were at our back and the seas were quartering off the stern. It was apparent that the closed deck boats could just about drift at 3+ kt and the Cobra had to work hard to keep up. Even at that we still came back over a GPS measured 7.1 nm in just under 2 hours. Mostly due to the increasing winds at our backs which were estimated at a steady 15 kt with gusts to 20+ kt.

All in all, another beautiful day on the water. We covered about 16 miles, taking our time to smell the roses and were treated to various shows put on by the local sea life. Our landings uneventful and there was no carnage to report.

Patrick and Hank headed home; Peter headed back up to SLO with the thought that a new boat, more suitable to coastal group paddles, will soon be in his garage, and John P and I headed for tacos at Mora's in Santa Barbara and then home.

For the predicted inclement weather it was almost blue bird. The water temperature was close to 60 and the air temperature stayed in the high 60's making for comfortable paddling conditions for most of us. Good companions, good weather, great displays of sea life, clear water--life is good.

    Mike Brown

View picture of Gaviota State Park

Peter Deragon adds...

Thanks again for the opportunity to explore that stretch of coast with an experienced, high performance-minded group of guys, and I regret slowing you all so much. It was evident within 15 minutes of passing the pier headed West that I was in for a long, hard slog, but I'm too determined to have let that dampen my, or your, experience. I appreciate you patience.

I am enthusiastic about returning there and making the point itself the next time. We were close enough to get a feel for what it would take- an earlier start, for one.

Although I've done tons of kayaking up until now, I've not been with people with higher performance boats. I'm now a convert.! I've already spent some time exploring my options on a variety of websites.

This similar transformation has happened in every sport that I've decided to pursue seriously: when I was a young backpacker, moving to lighter weight, internal frames and expensive boots; as a sailor, eventually, going to a "cruiser/racer" and planing dinghies, and when I was first introduced to mountain biking, graduating to full-suspension, lightweight bikes. It happens when good equipment is available and you are able to compare your "beginner" type equipment, to those who are more serious, and you are left in the dust (spray)... When you get serious enough that you are exposed to the real enthusiasts who push your personal envelope, there is no turning back.

Well, I was pushed physically Sunday, but I feel great this morning after last night's long hot tub, and a good night's sleep.

cheers

Pete Deragon

Submitted on November 16, 2003