The group assembled at 7:30 AM and was on the water by 8:00. Surf skills were first up so we headed north to Pacific Beach and found a spot amongst the surfers. The surf forecast called for a mixed swell with surf of 4-5' and occasional set of 6'. We were first asked to paddle in forward, under control with no surfing, and then paddle along the surf line to demonstrate low braces, and then paddle out. Next, we landed backwards and again paddle up the surf line to demonstrate high braces before paddling out. Jen was on the beach with an evaluation form and would ask several paddlers to repeat landings if she needed to see more. We then paddled in again, demonstrated more braces, and then paddled out backwards. We were asked to land again so we could repeatedly paddle up and down the surf line doing both high and low braces. This took about two hours.
Next we paddled down to Sunset Cliffs to perform a variety of exercises to demonstrate maneuvering skills in rough water. First, we were asked to turn the kayak 360 degrees in the chop. Nigel then had the group line up, sprint for 20 strokes, do a 360 and sprint back. Next, we had to paddle toward the cliffs, do a quick 270 before the surf got us, and paddle away. Next, we were asked to paddle close to the cliff and either place or retrieve a shoe on a rock wall, while managing surging water.
We then did rescues, but with a twist. Nigel took us close to the rocks, in bumpy water, and asked each to scull for support on both sides (holding our ear in the water) and then roll on both sides. His goal was to get us out of our boat in a combat situation as opposed to leisurely pulling our sprayskirt and going over in a controlled manner. If you could perform the skills you were allowed a leisurely wet exit. In light of the bumpy conditions and prospect of surf, the third member of the group hooked up an anchor tow line to prevent the rescuer and rescuee from drifting into the cliffs.
Next we demonstrated more rolls and were asked to maneuver our boats as necessary to grab either a stern or bow of a designated boat. We then landed for lunch, where we were asked to treat our paddle for hypothermia as well as answer other questions on first aid and our kit...
After lunch, we again were asked to maneuver our kayaks, do towing, and demonstrate stern rudders under tow to see if we could turn our kayaks both ways from the same side. We then paddled back to Aqua Adventures where we called in for individual questioning on navigation. Jen and Nigel had a variety of charts and asked us to calculate distances, identify hazards, read symbols, plot a course, and answer other questions on our knowledge of charts.
Ultimately, Jen and Nigel determined that each of us met the BCU standard as set forth in the syllabus. They noted that each of us were far from perfect and identified key things to work on. It was a very long, demanding day. We are lucky to have Jen and the talented AA instructors in San Diego. It was also quite an experience to paddle all day with Nigel Foster. He was very nice and extremely helpful. He even fine tuned the adjustments on my Extrasport PFD and tow belt, and showed me how to stow my spare paddle so it doesn't get knocked off in the surf or interfere with my day hatch. It was a great day but I am glad it is over!
Jon Brindle