Floating dock launches

Yesterday I was out at Capitola enjoying the day.  After having some lunch, an excellent calamari steak sandwich from the restaurant at the end of the wharf, I went and checked out the floating dock that some seem to launch from.

As I was walking off the wharf, I stopped to talk to some guy who had just beach landed and was pulling his yak up the trail on the right side of the wharf.  I asked him if there was any problem with beach launches (as far as the life guards of po po saying something)...he said that there wasn't any problem.

So, assuming the the beach launch was pretty easy, would you prefer the floating dock launch or the beach launch?

Personally I would prefer the beach launch because the couple of times I've tried dock launches I've felt like I was about to flip over.  I've felt even less co-ordinated during the landing.  I guess I've got see how it's done.

By the way, I didn't see anything landed from the wharf itself but a few skiffs were coming in with a few fish each.

Well, this "surf chicken" has to weigh in on this one!

I would prefer a floating dock because I can tie off my boat if I wish and use my paddle as a stabilizer between the dock and the boat to enter/exit. It's effective but not graceful.

However, I have to say that the Capitola landing and schlep to the loading zone by the wharf isn't bad. It's a nice sandy, protected beach. I've been fortunate that my last two landings (Capitola and Fort Ross) have been swim-free although not sand-free! Just watch for curious onlookers who don't understand the power of the surf on your boat till it's under control.

Janice aka "Big J"

Speak for yourself J  I sclepped the USS Enterprise (Hobie Mirage)up the hill Saturday fully loaded. What a workout!!! Even Theresa's Sportsman was heavy. I agree with the "smooth landing" and the sand.......... Had it everywhere. We did have fun out there on Saturday. we went way out to the bouy and beyond, then came back in to where the fish were.