The phone service and internet were out of commission yesterday for some reason, so I was unable to do my usual weather check (always on the lookout for conditions which would create relatively exciting paddling). I resigned myself to another day of progress, building a structure on our property--fulfilling, but nothing like a good day on the water. Working. Thirsty. Get a drink in the cabin. Check for dial tone while I'm at it. It 's working! Check internet--it's working! Check email--one from Ted Emery; "short notice, but it looks like it's blowing. I've got the day off--want to go boating?" Check weather--W 40 at Race Rocks, W 27 at intermediate buoy--hhmmmm looks promising. Phone call, formulate a plan, throw my gear together, re-check for essentials, catch ferry, it's going to be a good day.
Ted digging in. It's just getting good |
Matt at the top of a diagonal run in the front section |
As the wind strengthened and the zone continued to get more intense, we took a break in the eddy to talk risk assessment. This was not a safe situation for anyone without a solid roll and ability to self-rescue. The what-if plan for a capsize-and-swim scenario changed along with the conditions: A group of 3 would be more ideal for any incident--especially one involving injury, towing and support. We were 2 people in a high energy zone, if someone were to swim, their cockpit would be flooded making the boat extremely heavy and dangerous. High likelihood of injury (for both rescuer and swimmer) to try to perform an assisted rescue--teeth and bones are precious!, and the boat would most likely be ripped from the swimmer's grasp or (if they held on too tightly) they could dislocate shoulder or damage hands/arms as they were pulled into more violent breaking waves.
Matt in deep (right of center). Starting to get rowdy and fun. |
We continued to be played with and tossed around by the sea until we felt that we should "quit while we were ahead" and while we still had energy reserves. We took a longer and more arduous route back to our take-out, paddling against the current (now at max) around two small headlands of an outer island which, though not as epic as the main feature, was also beautiful and exciting.
Ted. It wasn't boring going around some of the points on the way back either! |
We were definitely tired after quite a workout of a day, but very happy. A pint of Manney's followed by the sunset were icing on the cake. I reflected on how lucky I am to be able to have the space in my life to be flexible seizing an opportunity at short notice, as well as to have people who are friends and good boaters to enjoy these places with.