Morning of 4/16 for a newbie?

Hi everyone,

I just recently bought my Cobra tandem and got it rigged up this weekend with a milk crate rod holder! I've been eyeing the weather report and it should look nice all over the coast. Is anyone from around the Bay Area planning a trip this sat that I can tag along? Doesn't matter where but just want to get my boat in the water. Much appreciate someone willing to teach me the ropes.

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

Hi Kevin,  not sure if you are only looking at the weather report or if you are also looking at wave, swell, and wind reports. Both Friday and Saturday looks to be strong wind and high swells for much of the coast.
Others may be more experienced and can chime in but I would not think it is ideal to try out the new kayak this Saturday.

I know others will eventually ask you, but do you have any other gear preparing you for the salt?  Wetsuit or drysuit, VHF radio and PFD at a minimum?  I noticed you only mentioned your milk crate.  Most here are more than willing to help a newbie out, but they will expect you to have the gear mentioned above at a minimum before you venture out in the salt.  Also, it is highly advised to practice self rescue before hitting the salt.  You do not want to find out that you can't get back on after you've already fallen in. 

I notice more and more guys new to the sport becoming very antsy about hitting the salt, but take it slow and get comfortable in your yak before throwing yourself in the salt.  Good luck and hope to see some fish reports!! 

Good call, Joe. I downloaded windfinder and thought that anything under 10 mph would get the green light. I do check swell height and periods too as I am used to doing so when I am abalone diving too. Quickly realizing that kayaking is a completely different animal would definitely like the advice of you guys as I do really care about my safety in this sport. Any safe, wind-protected launch spots in the Bay Area anyone would recommend? Would prefer to go with someone else, of course!

Smokeonthewater, yes, I definitely should have been a bit more detailed. A newbie out in the salt with a 13 ft long, stupidly wide kayak, armed with nothing more than a milk crate honestly does sounded like a nightmare waiting to happen after I typed it out. I have a 5mm hooded wetsuit that I am planning on wearing the whole time with fins stashed away. I am always under the impression that I would have to jump into the water, just in case. I have a PFD, emergency paddles, paddle leash and whistle on the snorkel. Looking to purchase a VHF radio very soon and my compass should be on the way..

Appreciate the quick advice, any takers?! 

4/16 will be in question till the day of. Me and some friends will be up at timber cove. If it's not good then back to crabbing at Doran beach. Sunday looks more promising

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PM sent! 

I plan to paddle with my friend out of HMB old pier on Sunday, 6:30AM OTW.  I would be happy to accompany you.  The first time I got in the water at HMB another NCKAer did the same for me.  I usually head to the first green can 1 mi SSE of the harbor mouth. 

Besides the VHF, I would also recommend getting a fishfinder chartplotter.  I have a lowrance elite 4 and it helps find the reef structure, plus gives you a GPS position to know where you are drifting and how to get home if a fog rolls in. 

One other thing I've noticed is sometimes overzealous power boaters will cut across the top of the reef in the morning (take a short cut inside of the green can).  It's happened enough times that I decided to fly a decent size orange pennant off my crate to avoid collisions. 

-Bobby

Welcome to the madness Kevin