Santa Cruz Island paddling, 10/13 &14

Another great trip to the Island this year. We left home with rain just beginning to slack off, and were prepared to call off the trip, but the forecast was actually improved as we headed south, and a friend in L.A. told me we would probably hit the best weather in weeks. Yup. Laura & I drove to Ventura Harbor with Jim I & the trip was on.

Day 1 started off with the Elephant Belly cave, and the amazing Cavern Point. We were able to access the very back of the cave, something I hadn't done. Paddling in pitch black darkness, waiting for the guide's light to illuminate the cave, with the swell booming and the water churning like a whirlpool made for the first dose of adrenaline of the day.  We followed it up with a hike to the next day's destination of Potato harbor, and scoped the exit of the famous Surging T cave.
pic1-Elepant's belly. On the far right of the rock is a narrow slot called Marge Simpson.
Pic2-Heading to Cavern Pt
Pic3-Surging T, from 300 feet
Pic4-conditions:Epic @ 5pm

Beautiful pics and trip Sean!  Scary stuff too, those surging caves sound exciting!  Makes me remember these AREN'T just fishing machines

The next day we hit the Boombox cave, with blowholes and a deep resonating bass you can feel in your skull. Sometimes we could swear the island was breathing! We paddled on to Surging T, and entered a churning cauldron of froth, with waves sloshing in all directions. When I made it to the exit, which has perhaps a 30 foot ceiling, I felt like I could be paddling into another world. We spent the remainder of the day exploring Potato harbor & getting in a bit of free diving. We left the island in the early evening with a toast of icy budweisers. If you happen to be looking for a semi-exotic trip that can challenge your paddling skills and put you in a magical place of rugged beauty, it awaits on the Channel Islands, right in our own cali backyard!
pic5-rock garden behind Split Rock
pic6-crossing to the entrace of Potato Harbor.
Pic7-a salty pile of gear means fun was had!

Sweet report.