Surfski Knowledge Base

Pmarcus
Jan 5 2020 #25792

Well…Okay…it was sorta fun but sorta scary and sorta survival paddle for maybe a wave or two for me for sure!

A talented BIG water (minus one, me) group went out this morning (I was in that group but my tail was definitely between my legs) right about 9:45 or so from Larrabee Park to Squalicum. If you check out Bham Buoy about that time (Thanks Beau W) you will see some wind above 50…maybe a warning…but we went anyways!

Alan L and Mike L and Kevin O and Wilson R and Jonas E disappeared over the horizon in a mist of wind and water being blown off the top and Lance R and Dan Moseley and Beau W and Collin S and myself sorta of tried to hang together. We all took different lines, myself went the inside line from Larrabee thinking maybe if I die my body will wash up sooner then the others….First few miles were killer from the Wildcat to just a little past Governors, with big Fat Combers paralleling the shore. As you ventured farther North, that wind coming through the cut at the South end of Chuckanut Bay created a two dimensional wave, like the “Wall” rebound but, 5 times the size and 1/2 mile off shore. So much for a calmer line…at this point wind puffs started to continuously lift waves off the water. Also at this point my “mantra” started to slip out loud and the words, “Focus, keep paddling” and “I love my children and I will do anything to get back alive” kept coming out…Sligshot would be the best word to use, coming down one wave then bouncing off into another going a different direction. Fun…sorta…I surfed right onto Post Point (killer and big fun waves but windy) to get a little reprieve and shelter from the Easterly wind and started breathing again! Figured the next 2 miles to Squalicum would be just Easterly wind…little did I know that it would take three to four of us to put our boats on our trucks when finished. The conditions, not the wind, it was already 35 to 45, started to build as you approached Squalicum beach, you weren't sure if your canoe was going to vibrate apart as you hurtled (best word to use) down swells and breaking waves in the neighborhood of 4 to 6 feet I guess. I have never been in those big of conditions other then 70 degree water at Swell City and as the rain and river water came out of Squalicum Creek and the Nooksack River..well lets just say, I'm glad prohibition was lifted!! 100 yards off the beach, which I heard Dan M say after, was easily Long Board surfing conditions and was seriously sketchy with a high tide and those breaking waves, logs bouncing up and down, 40 plus mph wind , large submerged concrete blocks in muddy water, other then that….what could possibly go wrong. Other paddlers on the beach were trying to catch us as we came ashore like baseball players fielding grounders…Three or Four of the talent group in front of me ended up cultivating the Sea bottom but came out without broken limbs or broken boats thankfully!!

So as Forest Gumps says…Go Big or Go Home…. p.s. Check your leashes!!

Dan Mayhew
Jan 5 #25804

The title of Peter's post applies to at least one part of my paddle on the bay today.

I was proudly wearing my florescent green Paddle for Food hat. I love that hat, but I will never wear it in big water again. You know how you have to roll up an inch or two of the hat to expose the writing? Well, when I flipped and resurfaced today that flap, heavy with water, had rolled down covering my eyes! I was kinda glad no one was close enough to see a dunked paddler bopping in the bay with his hat pulled all the way over his head. Interesting how little choices in equipment revisit you in extreme conditions.

Good choices included having a 9.5-inch 20-degree D.K. rudder. It made a huge difference in today's waves and wind. It would have been terrifying with my stock rudder.

Another good choice was my recent switch to a Barnacle-style belt leash. That makes it so much easier to position the boat for remounting. However, there are minor issues to be aware of. I was in remount position, but my leash was tight and pulling me toward the back of the boat. Upon inspection, my leash was wrapped around my rudder. That's not a problem with the ankle leash, but it was easy to slide the boat forward and untangle the belt leash. Another huge advantage of that leash was the beach landing on the New Year's Eve downwinder. I came in surfing and could just turn into the rollers and let the boat slide by and then stand up. No nasty yanking on your leg while trying to get your footing and plenty of space between you and your boat as the waves crash into you is much safer than being tethered by your ankle. Thank you Barnacles for all the advice in helping me convert to a belt leash!

A third choice that made today a great adventure instead of a tragedy was wearing a 5/4 wetsuit with extra Vaikobe vest and windbreak. I felt warm and comfortable while swimming in the bay. I could take my time, regain my sight, untangle the rudder and pop back in the boat. Once up I stayed warm even during those ridiculous gusts of wind.

All the equipment choices are critical, but technique is key. Those of you that have seen me paddle know I have a hell of a lot to learn in this glorious sport. I was lucky enough to paddle with someone that said to me when we got out: “you know your technique sucks!” Well, he didn't actually say that, but that is what I heard. I was so glad to hear that because if my technique was awesome and that was as good as I could surf, or paddle in beam seas, or upwind, I would be depressed. He gave me some tips and promised more. I can't wait to work on what he said and to get more insights.

I really appreciate the coaching tips, being looked out for in big wind paddles and being part of something very special on the bay and in nearby lakes.

Thank you Paddlers.

Dan Mayhew

As Forest Gump say's: “Stupid is as St
Dennis Mowry
Jan 6 #25807

Dan,
Another tip, if you don't mind, regarding your stern leash, I noticed it's dragging in the water. Maybe a little shorter would prevent the rudder wrap?

Also what I was saying, rather than “your technic sucks” was “needs work”, to paddle upwind, (we all are learning from each other). More on the encouraging side. Not stupid but a more proactive approach focusing on the positive.

I had fun day and was happy for the invite. I enjoyed your enthusiasm and willingness to roll with situations. Thanks for waiting so long for me to get back after getting locked out.
:D'

Dan Mayhew

Jan 6 #25810

I was kidding about the sucks comment. I love the constructive feedback you gave me. I will adjust the leash and work on initiating my stroke with my hips. I look forwarding to hearing all that you are willing to share. I really enjoyed your company on that adventure! I hope the next one will have more manageable conditions.

Thanks Dennis.