How rough is too rough??

Hello everyone,

planning on a trip out to HMB in the next few weeks but I know it's going to start getting rough out there. How rough is too rough when you guys call it quits? I usually try to go when its the most calm out there but wanted to try to plan a trip for early November.  If anyone has any tips or suggestions please let me know! I'm trying to make it a safe and plentiful trip. Thanks!

It all depends on your experience.
For the guy who has been doing it for 15 years and has a ton of experience what some may deem rough is just another day OTW to him.
For a newbie the smallest boat wake on a calm day can put him over.
It's all about personal experience and ability to SELF rescue should the need arise.
There is no definitive answer and please don't take this the wrong way, but IMO, if you have to ask you are not ready for rough conditions.
The answer will come with experience and as your skills improve you will know what you are or are not able to handle.
With that said, I still like calm. 

no offense taken and I absolutely agree , I'm definitely not ready 10mph winds and larger swells, but that may just be where I would cut it off. But is there a certain point where conditions would be too rough to set traps? I would think if it got really bad I can always retreat to the the safety of the harbor, but i've yet to rough it out in such conditions

Like Mike said, it depends on your experience. HMB is a short paddle to the kayak crabbing area and a protected launch so you can can get out in sketchier stuff. However, if the swell is 5-6' or less and wind less than 8-10 kt I would drop pots. Over 10 kt or swell over 7-8' is usually a no-go for me. I have been out in worse stuff and you can do it but it is not fun. Sit side saddle when getting your pots out of the tankwell and when pulling them. This will give you more stability. You are less likely to roll if the bow is pointed at the swell direction so on big swell days I like face the swell when dropping and pulling. Lastly, rig your crab pots to maintain as low a center of gravity as possible when transporting. This means collapsed ideally. Lastly, here are 2 important things:

1. Do not drop your pots in the boat traffic area outside of the entrance. Paddle south east at least a half mile before dropping.

2. Weight your rope so none is floating on the surface. Floating rope is a hazard to boats.

How rough is too rough when you guys call it quits?

It's not about going and then calling it quits when it gets rough.  It's about planning your trip around good conditions, and if they worsen while you're out then you make sure you're ready to get off the water if necessary.  Flat and windless days happen at all times of the year, as do rough and windy ones.  Become a dedicated study of the forecasts, buoy reports and other weather and water resources, and also commit yourself to learning what patterns and trends tend to occur, like afternoon winds, swell changes due to tide, currents...etc.  Buddy up with others who are also focused on launching in safe conditions as well as being ready for nasty ones that can come at any time.

Enjoy.   

The first time I went out in the salt, like WAY out, I was with the NCKA crew at Ft Ross. It seemed like we were 15 miles out. More like 2-3. I had surfed the Sonoma Coast for years before that and had done the powerboat thing. But those first big swells with the NCKA CREW changed my idea of what to expect out there.

The buddy system works. Do not try it alone. I learned by watching dudes next to me, and in that up and down swell I also realized quickly that I am the Oceans Bitch.
Be safe dude. Follow the guys who have done it before you. And respect what can kill you.



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Some other things to consider. If the wind and current turn on you will you have strength to make it back.  What kind of paddling shape you are in. It's also a lot different getting back in your kayak in the cold wavy ocean than it is on a flat lake. 

My stomach keeps me safe.  Knowing that seasickness counter acts any fun including catching a fish pretty much dictates my launching.  Plus its pretty rare that the bite is super hot when the weather is nasty.  It kills any kind of presentation.

Hi Yakers:

 It's a matter of keep cool when your close to the Edge.
One tip is to start out close to the CG like Santa Cruz and
NOT Davenport.
   Tip No 2 is keep facing the Wind on the way out so
you can use it to help you back.
   Tip No 3 is take your time to study
your launch. Go out with Peeps who been there and
 bought the T-Shirt.
         
                                                                     Regards
                                                                     Ernie

Listen to your gut instinct.....if its telling you to go grab a cup of coffee and hang onshore then do it. 

Also regarding yak crabbing. Its a major "heads down" activity rigging, sorting, measuring, rebating, etc so your ability to keep an eye out for the larger/rouge waves or big sets is compromised. I had many more "holy crap, where did that one come from" while crabbing vs fishing.

I also like the "add up to 20" method. Combine the swell with the wind and if the sum is 20 its a no-go. Lately I've been calling it at a sum closer to 15, similar to what Great Bass 2 said. I'm out there to have fun, not prove anything.

Don't minimize the issue of being strong enough to make it back.  At the ORC this year on the Oregon Coast, a guy in a Hobie Revo didn't manage the drift and ended up so far away from the launch/harbor that the Coast Guard had to retrieve him.  The current was moving at about 3 MPH and I believe he unknowingly traveled several miles before he attempted to get back.  Going directly against a 3 MPH current would have required him to pedal at a speed greater than 3 MPH for several hours.  This individual simply didn't have the strength left to do it and continued to drift further.  Fog and lack of visibility were contributors too. 

Too rough when I'm alone at Big Sur is much different than in a tournament with 50 guys around. I like it rough on tourny day. Makes it a challenge and weeds out all the pukers. 

   Lots of good advice above, I especially like the "if you have to ask, you're not ready" bit.  You'll get the experience if you don't get too bold too soon.   
   Some of it is simple division: how far am I from safety, and how fast can I paddle in nasty conditions?   Then add in a cushion for the unexpected event or cascade of events.