After we launched and passed the Scripps pier, Duane, Dennis, and I took the inside track through the surf while Teresa, Ken, and Barb took the outside route. On another day Ken would probably have joined us inside but he was nursing a sore back. Soon 5 or 6 dolphins joined us and they stayed with us most of the way up the coast.
After surfing a few nice waves, Dennis and I were rafted up to secure some loose equipment, when a big set came in. Unfortunately one caught Dennis at a bad angle, dumping him and aggravating an old shoulder injury. As a result he had to wet exit. I paddled him out of the surf zone so he could scramble back in his boat. Because of the sore shoulder he decided to paddle back.
Duane and I continued up the inside as the surf increased in size. We were playing in some big sets when I got dumped out and took a swim. The surf was getting a little too big so we paddled our way north having fun in the 'soup' until we found a safe place to break out to join the others. The dolphins were still with us and played just 10 feet or so from Duane.
The 5 of us paddled most of the way back together, then Duane and I stopped to surf some more. When a particularly big set came through I was headed out when I saw Duane perched like a wild cowboy atop a 7 footer, the curl licking at his stern as he sped down the face on an e-ticket ride. I didn't see what happened afterward but it looked fun!
Afterward the 5 of us enjoyed a pleasant sunny lunch and good camaraderie. Teresa headed home while the other 4 of us went to Aqua Adventures to check out the big boat sale and look at gear.
When I drove through LA and Orange county in the rain and the dark this morning I was not sure how the day would end up. It turned out to be a good day full of fun and good company!
Lee
That big wave worked me real good. I got caught on the inside of it, held on and braced for dear life for a bit, capsized, got my hair washed real good, and rolled back up. I hate getting worked like that.
Photos I took of today's paddle are at: duane.smugmug.com
Some additional thoughts: It's funny how a seemly small thing can mess up a paddle plan and a shoulder quicker than you think. Helping Lee secure his crank shaft paddle onto his rear deck (after being washed off in the surf) was a bit tricky and caused me to forget about my own paddle. Having broken Cardinal Rule One, I was up S#@t creek (surf zone) without a paddle as the first of a set came through. Just as I was reaching behind to deploy my spare, the set wave slid me back to my wayward paddle which I was able to grab (Leaning to the wrong side). I was able spin around, but must have not had the low brace set well in time and went over as the wave broke. Trying to set up for the roll, I realized my left shoulder was in pain and decided to swim. Both Duane and Lee were right on the spot, and after a short toggle tow I was able to struggle back into my boat with the assistance of Lee.
Having dislocated my left shoulder a few times, years back, I knew that I had probably popped it out and in again. As I tested the shoulder, and not knowing whether it would get better or worse, I decided to head back to the beach. Actually I was afraid of Falling behind, and didn't want to get Left behind, per Duane's rules (Just Kidding).
Writing this morning, after an evening on Advil, the shoulder is still painful but is not a serious problem. I'm just glad I paddled five of the last six days, as I probably won't be on the water this week.
I was looking forward to getting to know some of the CKF gang, but I guess that will happen some other time. Sounds like the remainder of the trip went well as expected.