L-K Trip

Also, what's up with the reverse conditions - nasty on the inside and calm on the outside?  Or is it just a early morning v. late morning thing.  The OTW pics look absolutely fantastic conditions.

... I was so happy no beginners came with me.  The teamwork was inspiring...

Indeed. I was feeling pretty bad the entire weekend having bailed out on you guys again... not to mention the epic day but it was definitely the right decision under these conditions. There were periods in which I could have gone out but I anticipated such conditions coming back in so knowing one's limit and when to bail does count towards experience 

But I'll be back to keep trying. Thanks everyone for the great reports and pics and see you all again, hopefully on the water at L-K.

James

That is the deal when there is no wind and a west swell.

I agree the photos do not do the walls of water justice.  I tried several shots to show the size of the waves but they were either too big and all I got was green water and some splashes or I was too far up the beach and you could not tell the size and power.

Wishing I was there with you guys! I'm very jealous. Thanks for the excellent documentation.

CARNAGE!!!!! Ooohhhh the humanity!!!   

Very cool guys. Sorry for the lost fish and game clip but sometimes mother ocean has to smack ya down and remind you who's really in charge here. I hope somebody has a camera handy when I get my first smack down (I've only launched off the beach a couple times in mellow conditions. My time will come.)

You guys rock. Thanks for the great report and pics.

-FF

NICE!!! I love LK. But when its pumping in the cove, the difficulty is way up there. Right when you think you're safe - WHAM! - a big one can surge up the beach. I've had my share of sketchy landings there, real teeth-gritters; its part of the deal.

And yes, the landing zone shrinks as the surf comes up. Looking in, the left half is a boneyard when its boiling. And those waves are more rock than water at times. I somehow survived dropping down a 4 ft face one time, got it turned sideways and skidded up the beach. Gravel was on my hat, in my shirt pockets, and all over the 'yak.

Scott, I don't know if it would have salvaged that epic pearl, but try leaning farther back as you start to brace. You might have to loosen up your seat straps.

Someone asked about Mill Creek. I usually go out of LK because it is so convenient. On a big swell just getting down to the launch beach would be hazardous, because there's a rock wall you have to get around. Once there you're on a sandy beach. It isn't quite as steep as LK, a little more crumbly, but it can still take you out. Like this:

Scott, I don't know if it would have salvaged that epic pearl, but try leaning farther back as you start to brace. You might have to loosen up your seat straps.

Paul -

Thanks for that tip. I will definitely loosen the seat straps. I was leaning as far back as I could and I did have the straps tight for the marathon paddle. For a second or 2 I thought I had a chance of surfing it in but when the bow dug in it was lights out. Sorry you couldn't make it. It was kayak fishing at it's finest, the only thing missing is yellowtail but with global warming...

scott

Now that's entertainment!  Hefty stringers, cold brews and epic wipeouts!!!

This may be one of the best fishing reports I have ever read. Congratulations to all those involved.

good to read everyone survived and HOOK'd FISH!  those who drew the line? way to make the right decision....there will be other times.

Sweet pics and better report!   whatelse can be added?   Thanks for sharing it!

those who drew the line? way to make the right decision....there will be other times.

Adam

I completely agree. You have to stay within your skill, preparedness and comfort level. I have spent a lot of time on the ocean so my comfort level is pretty high and I don't mind going for a swim. For me the adventure part of our sport is what I really enjoy, but I am sure others would be happy just to catch fish. I will say that if you take a kayak surfing lesson and practice every year, most should be able to fish LK safely. I am the only one who wears a helmet at LK, but since the beach is strewn with boulders, I think it makes sense. At my age, looking cool isn't a priority. 

Scott

those who drew the line? way to make the right decision....there will be other times.

At my age, looking cool isn't a priority. 
Scott

Your looking pretty COOL in that *new avatar...ifYOUaskME!

I and James (justyakit) totally chickened out when we saw the surf. To be honest, it was a very difficult decision as we could see the calm periods in between the rough sets also being that we had driven so far south. We contemplated heading out and we almost did but  then figured we'd also have to land back safely too. I think it was a wise decision to bow out. The decision was reinforced when we saw Gary and Dan get hammered during the launch. We decided to head to Monastery instead. I caught a red and a copper there but nowhere near the quality what the guys at LK caught. I can tell you that it was not a good ocean day since the water was all confused at Monastery as well.
You guys are total soldiers for heading out. Congrats on your catches since you totally deserve them.
Awesome picture of Scott there. One for the books.

After that trip the first thing on my birthday wish list is a surf helmet! I second Scotts opinion. I go for the adventure, but I am not going if I feel I am in danger of hurting myself or others. Isn't the saying that which does not kill you will make you stronger. I feel a little stronger today!

NICE!!! I love LK. But when its pumping in the cove, the difficulty is way up there. Right when you think you're safe - WHAM! - a big one can surge up the beach. I've had my share of sketchy landings there, real teeth-gritters; its part of the deal.

And yes, the landing zone shrinks as the surf comes up. Looking in, the left half is a boneyard when its boiling. And those waves are more rock than water at times. I somehow survived dropping down a 4 ft face one time, got it turned sideways and skidded up the beach. Gravel was on my hat, in my shirt pockets, and all over the 'yak.

Scott, I don't know if it would have salvaged that epic pearl, but try leaning farther back as you start to brace. You might have to loosen up your seat straps.

Someone asked about Mill Creek. I usually go out of LK because it is so convenient. On a big swell just getting down to the launch beach would be hazardous, because there's a rock wall you have to get around. Once there you're on a sandy beach. It isn't quite as steep as LK, a little more crumbly, but it can still take you out. Like this:

Hi PAL

So how far mill creek is from LK ?? If you have to chose MC or LK which one would you chose?