After a briefing from Steve, the group started the launching ritual just before 9:00 a.m. I asked Patrick to assist me with the launch. He readily obliged. Steve mentioned a little later that Patrick had launched me into the biggest set of waves to hit the beach. During the re-group outside the surf zone, Steve instructed me on the Ninja stroke. It's interesting to note that anglos were instructing the only Japanese person in the bunch on the art of Ninja.

We had a brisk paddle up the coast to Montecito. George, of course, was in the lead...way in the lead with Hank in pursuit.

Peter selected a nice sandy beach to land his beautiful skin boat. With a little help from Steve we all made a safe landing (meaning no carnage) and took a nice break.

On our return trip, we were fortunate to see a small pod of dolphins gracefully playing in the water. We also saw real carnage. Have you ever seen what an indelicate eater a sea lion is? Well, Miss Manners has her work cut out for her.

As we paddled along the coast to take advantage of the scenic coastline, Paul showed us his repertoire of 5 greenland style rolls. He wants to learn all of them, so he only has 37 more rolls to learn.

There was a little more action in the water on the return since we were closer to shore. Ken treated us to a little kayak surfing. The only problem was that he was upside down during part of the ride. Hence, he won the dubious honor of the first Kelp Award. Mike also got into the action by performing a combat roll.

Chris gave me a good tip about bracing. He told me, "Waves are your friend. Lean on your friends." He later modified that by telling me that just like CKF friends, some are scarier than others.

When we got back to Carpenteria, Steve and I practiced some rolls while Patrick played catch with a nerf ball. After putting off the landing as long as possible, it was time to return to shore. I carefully reviewed all of the advice I had received from Peter, Patrick and Steve. I started toward shore and everything was going well. When my boat started to turn, I remembered to "lean on my friend." Unfortunately, I had a momentary lapse and decided to wave at my friends (CKFers, not the waves) on shore. After George graciously pulled me and my kayak out of the water, the Old Farts bestowed the second Kelp Award of the day to me.

After cleaning up, we visited a wonderful Thai diner in town. Steve said something about our club being an eating club with a kayaking disorder or something like that. Anyway, it was a great trip with a very good group of people.

Barb Tomita

Carpinteria City Beach
Located at the foot of Linden Ave., stretching to Ash St., in Carpinteria. A gently sloping shelf and mild waves have earned it the title "World's Safest Beach."
See photo of Carpinteria Beach.
See google map.