I had a new high tec seat pad from Skwoosh that I was anxious to try as the 14 mile round trip would be a good test. The pad is made of a light weight soft material that shapes itself to you as soon as you seat on it. I was very comfortable the whole paddle as the pad relieves pressure points by letting you sink into it. It is thin, light weight and waterproof and can be tied or tethered in to your boat in case of a wet exit. Check it out at www.skwoosh.com.

It was a beautiful clear, warm California spring day with just a light wind blowing. As we passed the power plant and river mouth the water there had a bizarre muddy color to it from the recent rain. It looked similar to the water in the Amazon which is a coffee with a bit of cream color. It was a strange contrast to the outer blue green water.

We paddled at good pace and made Ventura Harbor in about 1 hour 20 minutes. We fueled ourselves with lemon pepper tuna and dried mango and warmed ourselves in the sun before starting our paddle back. There was new swell coming in so we kept our eyes open over the reef areas.

After reaching the edge of the CIH break wall we played in the surf, rolled a bit, then paddled around the break wall to visit the class. After rounding the breakwall we paddle back the beach, packed out gear and had our customary lunch at Daddios.

Another awesome day on the water !

Paul Jonason