At the last minute, several of us were able to join him. Chris Wood mentioned yesterday that he would like to paddle today, and I said I would but was unsure if I could make it.

The short version is that Patrick Martin, Peter O'Sullivan, Chris and I all met Mike at the beach. We put on some wet suits and paddled out through the red tide to the pond.

Once there, Mike and I managed to successfully roll several times and we both ended up with at least one out of boat experience as we missed a roll.

I was able to successfully do 5 1/2 out of seven attempts. The 1/2 was one that I blew, but I was able to push off from the bottom and not come out of my boat. I did start a yard sale going when Peter was performing a T rescue for me and my pump, and Little John bottle both washed out of the boat.Patrick and Chris grabbed my gear as Peter stabilized the boat for my re-entry.

After struggling with learning to roll for 2 years and not getting anywhere, I can't recommend Wayne Horodowich and the Kent Ford video that I bought from him enough. The method works and there is NO muscle power needed. It's all technique and finesse. I think I will take Patrick's suggestion though, and place arrows that are labeled "This side up" on my boat. Maybe that will help my muscle memory.

After playing around a little more, All but Mike decided to paddle around the breakwater. We found the water to be very confused and it was fun to paddle in it. Mike K stayed at the Pond to practice swimming for the triathlon his 16 year old daughter decided to have him enter.

We then all met at the pond to load boats and head to Daddio's

    Steve Holtzman

LAUNCH LOCATION: Hobie Beach in Channel Islands Harbor.

View Map
View picture of the pond and Channel Islands Harbor