Kayaking on the Pacific

            As I prepared for our adventure of kayaking on the ocean by pulling on a wet suit, buckling into a life vest, and snapping on a helmet, I was picturing a calm paddle from shallow water to not-too-deep water, and then around a bay. All this protection, however, especially the helmet, was making me a bit apprehensive and changing my thoughts. What could happen to cause a head injury, and how cold was it really going to be in the ocean depths? I guess falling off the kayak was possible, hence the vest.  I was soon to learn that kayaking on the Pacific Ocean was a bit different than kayaking on a calm, mountain lake, or even a bay, both of which we had done before. 

            Looking somewhat like a scuba diver, I walked with Don and twelve other people and two guides three blocks down to the beach where our guides explained just how we’d get onto our tandem kayak (affectionately known as a “divorce kayak”)  and out into the water.  So glad America’s Funniest Videos doesn’t have a video of that!  Needless to say, it was not a graceful process, but once we were aboard, our guide pushed us into the surf and our voyage truly began.

            Both of us paddled like mad to get over the first wave, out farther into the foaming breakers, up a large swell, and through a wave which crashed over the bow of the kayak. Oh hurray for the wetsuit!  Suddenly I realized two of our traveling companions had fallen off their kayak and were struggling to mount it again. Patting my life vest with affection, I continued to paddle, erratically smacking Don’s paddles with mine. While it was difficult to set up a rhythm, I doubt it would lead to divorce, especially since it was our forty-ninth anniversary.

            Exhilaration swept over me as my attention focused on the facts: We were out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, cormorants were diving in and out of the water as they fished, and I was looking at the most amazing shoreline comprised of cliffs and caves.  On the cliffs, many varieties of birds and a seal sat sunning themselves, and as the waves collided with the rocks at the cave entrances, white water sprayed into the air.  The interior of one of the caves was our original destination, but because of the roughness of the surf, our leader had us stay out. I suppose we might have gotten use out of the helmets had we gone in!

            After paddling out to sit atop a kelp forest, and get a lesson on the uses and advantages of kelp, we headed back toward the beach. Our guides set up a race which we almost won…well, fourth out of ten.. We were also given an opportunity to slip off the kayak into the ocean for a quick swim. So tempting!

            Too quickly, it was time to go one at a time toward the shore and hopefully catch a wave to ride on to the beach without flipping forward. Taking my cue from Don who used to body surf a lot, I waited and then paddled mightily at the right time to catch the wave. We did it!  Sliding onto the shore gave me a sense of accomplishment and yes, joy!  What a great adventure, one I’m sure we’ll repeat.
I need to add that our daughter bought this trip for us and gave it to us as a gift certificate. Not sure we would have been made aware of such fun without it. Thanks Jenifer!