Patrick (aka Captain Carnage) and I were the first to arrive. There were some winds off the bluffs of Malibu and we could see white caps outside the "wind line" but calm inside. It was just a little after high tide and the surf was relatively calm except for some large breakers every 45 seconds or so. There was a very small surf break. You know the kind, small but deadly. Pyro Peter was next followed by John "Skinboat" Petersen, Mike Condit, Psycho John and newbie, Tim Kirshner. I think that was all.

We launched at 0902 and headed west toward Point Dume. There was an increasing wind at our backs and a rear quartering sea from the southeast. Just enough to make it fun! We were pretty loose staying in basic groups of two until the point. En route we had seen a few seal/sea lions and Patrick announced his nature day was complete when he saw his first bait fish jump. The winds had picked up, the tide was still high and the water choppy at the point--there was a lot of clapotis from the reflexive wave off the rocks of the point.

We started through but Peter and John P decided to paddle to the buoy while the rest continued to Westward Beach. In addition to the breaking surf we were further inhibited from landing by the film crew on the beach and their two Sheriff's units. We paddled further to the second set of restrooms and landed. I went first and did a great landing through the shore break onto the steep beach only to be pulled back out to into the surf zone as I was getting out. I got the kelp award of the day. Everyone else did a great landing. We "rested" refreshed and noted how the winds were picking up. Now over 15 kt and from the east. Peter radioed that the winds at the point had increased and they were going to hug the coast and start back. We decided it was also a good idea to leave. Our launches were all text book! The wind in our faces coupled with the chop and currents through the channel were interesting and fun--good rough water practice.

At Paradise Cove we saw Peter and John P on the beach. We elected to land again except for Dr John and Tim who elected to continue on. While on the beach the winds subsided. We launched and headed back to Dan Blocker in great blue bird weather.

Throughout the water was relatively warm and clear. We could see the rocks and sea bottom and frequent fish underneath. Without the winds this was even clearer and just great sights as we paddled home. At Dan Blocker we did some rolling and bracing practice, landed, cleaned up and most of us wound up at the Malibu Deli for good food and more good scenery.

Another great day on the water. Great conditions, enough wind and current to keep from getting bored, good weather and good companions. The only negative event was Jack Brisley's accident. We hope that he is not badly hurt and will be back in the water soon. Knowing Jack, it will be soon, no matter what...

    Mike Brown

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View picture of Dan Blocker Beach

Dan Blocker Beach is the same as Corral Canyon. It is the beach at the bottom of the hill just "north" of Pepperdine and Malibu Canyon on PCH. The put-in, however, is bizarre since they moved the access road from PCH to Malibu Road.

Directions: From however you get there from Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road: "South" (actually east but we all know our coastline goes north and south, right?) on PCH from Malibu Canyon Road Right at the signal onto Webb Way Right onto Malibu Road and follow it almost to the end where it meets up with PCH There is a road that goes directly down to the beach so you don't have to carry boats over rocks!