Huli..

Took the oc-1 out again today. This is only my third time out.. It is only significant in that it was my first beach launch, and I finally managed to huli. Now, Jessica, had me thinking I was going to huli all over the place trying to learn this. But up till today my balance has been pretty good. When I am paying attention, that is..

Right off the bat, I did a half a huli, trying to get out from the beach. I got wet but the canoe didn't flip. Much to the amusement of people on the beach... Normally... if you see someone setting up, elaborate carbon fiber equipment, on the beach, you would assume that they know what they are doing. Not necessarily. Ha Ha. So I tried again, waited, timed it, and was out no problem. I went from Oil Piers, RIP, out around Arco island, almost all the way to Rincon and back. About five miles I estimate. Took a little dip at my turn around point then headed on back. I really worked up a sweat and the water felt great.

Well, going southbound, you really can't see the rollers coming in from just slightly behind you. So when I let my mind drift to the northwest (a subliminal hello or the swell direction?) in came a little roller, it just caught me off balance, "huli". I just took a dip so I was already wet, so no big deal. Plus, I had just bought my super sexy wetsuit shorts and a new neoprene rash guard, so I didn't get that cold... Another roller almost got but me right after that, but I managed to catch myself. I quickly adjusted my style and had no trouble the rest of the trip. Rounding Arco Island on the way back, I was in perfect position to ride the swell in, straight to the launch site. So I caught a my first few open ocean swells .. That was fun... Getting out of the water went fairly well, but you just can't surf it in like a kayak right on to the sand. Well... Really, I don't have a clue what the proper technique is, so I just jumped out and tried to keep the canoe straight until I could get it on my shoulder and out of there. It was kind of tricky even in very small surf...

It feels really good to be out there, and I would definitely agree that it is my church. Like any fanatical church goer, I try to get out there every day. Be it surfing, paddling, or just a jog or walk on the sand. Their is some medicinal value in salt air according to some European doctors, but what do they know, right?? ha

Wow??? It's is amazing how bloging really gets away from you. I just wanted to say, "I flipped the damn canoe over!" If you look at the pics, you can clearly see the clouds coming out of Oxnard just in time for the girls water polo game.. Final Score: Malibu 7 The Nardcore 5.. Kalie did score in the JV game which they also lost...