Surfing Cabrillo River Boat Style
Highnoon Cabrillo Beach, Low Tide 2' To 3' with occasional 4' outside sets. Sun shining...looks promising. Jack pulls up, loaded with white water river boats. We had spoken earlier about running small boats and practicing skills that it takes to surf with them. This was stretching me to get me out of my comfort zone (big kayaks). I had tried it before at San Onofre with no success and gave up quickly for the comfort of my sea kayak which I could catch and surf waves effortlessly.

Looked like only me and Jack today, so we hiked the boats down to the beach. I must say these boats port easily. I needed to get gear from my car and noticed a truck parked next to me with some white water kayaks, this turned out to be Hugh and Scott all the way from Redlands, "They came to play."

As we where getting ready to launch, Drew showed up with his sea kayak, the more the merrier. Paddling these small kayaks through the break line can be a chore, but I found they cut through the big stuff easily, It's just a slower process to get out.

With sea kayaks all they want to do is go straight. Not with these little suckers, they spin like a top. But once you get the hang of it, they are incredibly responsive and maneuverable. As I watched and observed Jack, Hugh and Scott playing, I became much more comfortable with the boat and felt the freedom you have while your in the wave. The rides are much more active and I was more aware of what's going on while white water is crashing around you.

Drew was having some success surfing his sea kayak, but found himself out of his boat on the shoreline dumping water numerous times.

Hugh must have seen this, so '"The Conversion Began." Hugh got Drew in his river boat and Jack coached him out and on his way.

He did well for his first time. One thing about river kayaks, once your out your not getting back in. No solo recoveries here, you can't get the water out and if you get back in you just sink. It's to the shore to pump or pull the plug and drain.

All in all a great new experience and a fun filled day. We where also visited by a small pod of dolphins, which is always nice to witness natures way.

We surfed and I took pictures for about 3 1/2 hours and it became a little blow out, so we called it a day.

I got to hand it to Jack and Hugh, they have shown that they're always open to get you to experience new and exciting ways of kayaking, even to the point of putting you in their own boats. And in Hugh's case to watch from the shore and retrieve your boat, empty it, get you back in and send you back out.

KUDOS.... Check out the pic's

Until next time,
VICTOR (Paparazzi) MARTIN

Submitted on March 06, 2005