Van Damme 8th thru 10th report

Hi guys I'm new here my name is Andy and I like this site.
Mainly I'm a diver so I hope this post doesn't bore ya.
Got my new trident 13 it's first taste of salt last weekend.
Sadly to say no fish but abs and the total experience was stellar.
We stayed at the Gualala river campground.
The river only had only like 4 or so inches by campground spot 58.
I got a few really nice AB spots in that area and was thinking how can I hit them with the yak.
I normally climb down ropes but would love to have the range my kayak can do.
My buds talked me into hitting Van Damme.
I'm thinking Van Damme.....What the heck?
I have never gone there or ever considered it or the other vast area of where most people go to.
Man do I have a lot to learn.
A decent long paddle and I was on an over burdened area of abs.
Picked nice looking abs for 2 days.
Words can not describe how much I like them kinda dives.
I am a rooky with the yak and manage to get dumped twice.
Some of the waves were over 4 feet.
I got nailed while gearing up for the dives both times so I'm needing some learning.
First time my buddy Karl fetched my gear for me the second time I was solo and had the gear tied off.
Up righting the yak and getting back on was easy even with out fins...thank God.
My buddy Ian nailed some nice fish so between us and the store we all ate well.
Vis was about 18 feet swells were  3-6 feet @ about 8 seconds.
Really fun time.
Can't wait to go again.
Andy

Thanks for the report, love your enthusiasm. 

Sounds like a great day for sure! Haven't dove at Van Damn but I bet it is pretty damn nice! Spent most of my diving days at Salt Point. Camped at Gualala a couple of times, nice place. Welcome to the site!
Later
Jim

Awesome Andy!!

Plenty of divers on here so please share your adventures below water as well as above!!

There's a section for diving related stuff you might find interesting here:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?board=16.0

And once you have 10 posts you can see the "members only" diving reports here:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?board=56.0

Also...we have a friendly year long comp called DOTY (Diver Of The Year) which you can check out here:

http://doty.norcalkayakanglers.com/

DOTY, in my opinion, is great way to keep track of your personal bests and challenge yourself to hunt new species in new areas...

Oh yeah, some guys on here fish as well.   

Welcome to NCKA dude...I'm sure you'll enjoy the site.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

ps...if you have time and wanna get some more practice on your yak you should head over to Timber Cove on 8/24....gonna be some cool people there and a great chance to learn from one of the best paddlers in the world:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=57846.0

Welcome and thanks for the report.   Yes, do make the 8-24 rescue instruction like Jim said. I plan on diving after.