Intro for James, new member from Fort Bragg

Hi,

Moved to Fort Bragg recently from Berkeley and looking to get into kayak fishing for the first time. A good buddy of mine up here, Ron, does a lot so I’ll have some guidance.

Bought a Scupper Pro last week. Been kayaking only a few times in my life, so pretty much a noob there. I’ve read the safety posts on this site and plan to take them seriously. Plan to take it out on Big River or somewhere relatively calm to practice falling off and getting back on — is there a better place? Need to get a wetsuit and the rest. Still really not sure what to get as far as the wetsuit, but leaning towards the 4/3 full suit. Then again the Farmer John… argh, so many options to consider.

I’m looking forward to the day when the big ling cods hear my kayak hit the water and know there’s nothing they can possibly do to resist my offerings and eventually find themselves on my dinner table.

Cheers,

James

I think the Big River (east of the bridge) is a good place to start.  Once you're comfortable there, consider heading a little bit further south to Van Damme.  That's a nice protected lagoon with some small waves to add to the mix and learn how to self-rescue and right the boat in that.  I would not recommend going west of the Big River bridge, though... that's a challenging and dangerous inlet. 

As far as immersion gear... since you're so far north, have you considered going right to the dry suit?  I always preferred dry suits for all day comfort instead of wetsuits and am currently saving up to buy another dry suit to replace the wetsuit.

Welcome to the community, James.   

As far as immersion gear... since you're so far north, have you considered going right to the dry suit?  I always preferred dry suits for all day comfort instead of wetsuits and am currently saving up to buy another dry suit to replace the wetsuit.

I've heard said that they're too hot if you're not immersed in the water. But even the air is not exactly hot here on the north coast, even in summer, so maybe that's irrelevant (?) Is there a particular thickness you'd recommend? Not sure if the 4/3 thickness recommended by many is specific to wetsuits, or applies equally to dry suits. Sure would be nice to stay nice and warm. I'll look into it, thanks.

James

As far as immersion gear... since you're so far north, have you considered going right to the dry suit?  I always preferred dry suits for all day comfort instead of wetsuits and am currently saving up to buy another dry suit to replace the wetsuit.

I've heard said that they're too hot if you're not immersed in the water. But even the air is not exactly hot here on the north coast, even in summer, so maybe that's irrelevant (?) Is there a particular thickness you'd recommend? Not sure if the 4/3 thickness recommended by many is specific to wetsuits, or applies equally to dry suits. Sure would be nice to stay nice and warm. I'll look into it, thanks.

James

I used to wear a Kokatat suit with polypropylene base layers and a fleece onesie inside along with body armor (bullet proof vest) and then a PFD over the top for 8 hrs straight most days from fall through the end of spring.  When the weather would be nice enough for us to be able to wear "mustang suits" -- think a PFD material coverall, I'd always opt for the dry suit.  I feel the 3-layer system inside allows for a lot better wicking and breathability (with a gore-tex or similar drysuit) than wetsuits or even mustang suits.  And that's the baseline... you can easily get fancier with your base layers to increase comfort in varying conditions.

Welcome to NCKA James 

Hey James, welcome to NCKA! I use a Kokatat Goretex suit with fleece base layers and have been quite comfortable out on the bays, and ocean.

Welcome to the madness James. Whatever suit you get, don't forget to consider options for releasing bodily fluids.. nice option in my opinion.

Welcome James to NCKA.   

Hi James, welcome to ncka3

Welcome Jason!

I would have to say moving to Fort Bragg Area versus Berkley is a great move.

Welcome.

Alex

I think the Big River (east of the bridge) is a good place to start.  Once you're comfortable there, consider heading a little bit further south to Van Damme.  That's a nice protected lagoon with some small waves to add to the mix and learn how to self-rescue and right the boat in that.  I would not recommend going west of the Big River bridge, though... that's a challenging and dangerous inlet. 

As far as immersion gear... since you're so far north, have you considered going right to the dry suit?  I always preferred dry suits for all day comfort instead of wetsuits and am currently saving up to buy another dry suit to replace the wetsuit.

Agree with the East of the bridge at Big River for practice. West of the bridge can get really crazy, recommended for experienced, highly skilled folks.

You may also wish to consider practice at Russian Gulch, nice bay launch and plenty of coves and different types of water close by such as tight cove entrances with rip, caves to paddle through, wash rocks, etc. Go with knowledge of what the tides will be for cave paddling. Study charts a bit for wash rock locations.

I also just moved to Mendocino from Berkeley and just starting my research on what kayak to get.

Eoghan

Welcome to NCKA James !!!