We got a late start at Dana Point, but that is fine with me. I have come to enjoy my evening paddles there. We left the kids with Mom and we paddled off. I was really looking forward to getting Rick out past the break water. I got him out there once before, but we had brought his daughter, and she was a little freaked out by the ocean swells and all.

Rick is still working on his endurance on the SOT, so we took it easy, and had a few breaks to soak in the scenery. We made it to the harbor entrance and were treated to a few sea lions sleeping there. I have not seen this for some time. We made our way around and I was happy to see great conditions for Ricks first paddle beyond the wall. A slight breeze, a gentle swell and some confused seas with minimal boat traffic. I remember how amazed I was the first time I got beyond the harbor, and was pleased to see that Rick was also enjoying the experience.

I was plenty happy just to get him out there, and was down right amazed that we paddled all the way out to the bouy North/West of the entrance. We chatted the whole way out and took a break to check out the sea lions on the bouy, then pretty much let the wind blow us back a good way towards the entrance. Then we paddled and Rick really seemed to enjoy the motions of the down wind swells. We were back to the entrance in no time and worked our way back to Mother's beach.

For me it was an easy paddle in my SOT, but I think it was a good work out for Rick. Upon arriving back at the beach we picked up his daughter and paddled here over to the break water were we played a bit in the shallow water before heading back and loading up the boats.

Great trip.. Best of all his daughter will have her own kayak next week.

Wayne