Launched from Mothers' Beach, Marina del Rey about 6:55 am today. (2.15 miles to end of channel). Bay was smooth, maybe a 2' swell-mostly from the west, intermittent West wind less than about 7 mph. Overcast the way I like it. Visibility NOAA 10 miles-bit of haze. The wind was picking up some dark shadows in the waves that I think of as 'fake seals.' They look almost like seals poking their noses up. Tried working the swells on the trip up-with some success, also tried what I learned in Power Strokes--I have a lot of practicing to do. Turned around at Santa Monica Pier 1:30 mins 6 miles from Launch. Though tired when I turned back I actually kept the same speed. Probably the current and maybe a bit of the west wind on my right stern quarter. The bay seemed smoother heading south than it did going north. Made it back 12.7 miles 3 hrs 6 mins.

Passed three kayakers in factory'yaks, and a couple on an outrigger, heading north up the bay as I was heading back. There were several sit-on-tops paddling around the mouth of MDR Channel. In the harbor there were several single and double outriggers. High tide was supposed to be 7:40 am, low 10:00. I couldn't tell much difference at Mothers' Beach. Not much change. I still don't have a rudder or a skeg, but I think for now that's a good thing. I find my control gets better and better, except when I get tired and then I'm all over the place.

Will