I called the Coast Guard--On myself

I took the AI out last Sunday, July 3 for cruzin, fishin, and funin.  I had the haka all set up so my buddy could sit in comfort and fish while I peddled.  We couldn't score anything except a few sand dabs.  The wind started blowing about noon, so I start heading in from the mile can. The wind shifted and was blowing off shore directly from MBK which we were headed for.  The sightseeing tourists boats were in full force and were making good size waves that were breaking over my bow.  I didn't realize it at the time, but my forward hatch was taking lots of water.  I was pedaling  and my buddy was rowing but we couldn't make any progress.  About three hundred yards off shore, my mirage drive snaps a fin.  (crap)  No problem I said, I'll sail in.  I got the rigging hooked up, and we made way for a couple of minutes.  The wind was so strong I had to reef the sail, but the mast kept slipping and pulling the full sail out.  I even tried to tie the mas off and it wouldn't hold.  A couple of times the puffy wind almost blew us over.  (double crap)  After drifting further away, I called channel 16 and told them my name was ALfonzo, my kayak name was o2b, and I needed help. (just kidding Al) The first thing they asked was, do you have pfd on.  I told them we were dressed for immersion and in no immediate danger.  The first rescue zodiac they sent went the wrong way.  I called again and with three minutes a Boston Whaler from the Monterey Yacht Club came out.  They towed us back to MBK and dropped us off about twenty yards from shore.  I got the paddle out, it was a single, and started rowing.  Within 30 seconds, the paddle snapped off at the shaft. (triple crap)  Try as we might, with a hand held paddle and one shaft, we couldn't make shore.  The wind was blowing us parallel to the beach, but too deep to jump in.   Finally a women on the beach recognized we were in trouble, and came in the water up to her chest, and I was able to throw her the bow line.  I really did not want to call  the coast guard again.  I thought that I would never have to use the coast guard, because I was prepared for anything.  I was wrong.  Even though you prepare, things can go wrong.   

Raydon -Glad to hear you are both safe and well. What a series of events! That last bit of your adventure was especially unlikely, but that is the way it goes when it hits the fan sometimes. I'm sure you are probably already "back in the saddle". 
                 See you on the water, SuperVato

Glad it came out OK. The pics are upside down though. Was that part of the problem?

Glad you made it back to solid ground, Raydon! See you at PIF!

Glad it came out OK. The pics are upside down though. Was that part of the problem?

I tried to correct the photos a couple of times.  FU## it.

WOW Raydon, thats intense!  good job keeping a level head and using all your tools to bring you and your friend home safe.  Thank goodness for helpful folks

Wow! You used all the tools at your disposal, and you were prepared, and it still wasn't enough.
A good reminder for the rest of us for sure.

Glad to hear things worked out for you and you made it to shore. If it can happen to Raydon it can happen to anyone.

Wow! That is a chain of events of what to do when things go wrong! You just shared with us. Glad you both are safe and made it back to land. Hats off to the lady who ended up pulling you in the last few yards! Glad your safe!

Hi Raydon,
Sounds like you encountered one equipment failure after another.
Good to know that the Coast Guard comes to the rescue when called.
It sure has been one f___king windy spring and early summer.
I can count the good days on one hand!!
Glad everything worked out!!
Thanks for sharing your story.
Aloha,
Da Bruddah

Glad you're safe Raydon!  I experienced something similar a couple of weeks ago when I took a friend fishing on my tramps.  I broke my steering handle and with the current and wind going against me we couldn't make any progress.  Luckily, I had a friend with a pb closeby to help out. 

Wow crazy!!! Glad you made it back safe way to keep a level head.

Always an O.G

Glad it came out OK. The pics are upside down though. Was that part of the problem?

I tried to correct the photos a couple of times.  FU## it.

Glad it ended well. Man I remember getting blown at Monterey, I was barely making grounds. By the time I hit the shore, Herb was already snoring in his car. BTW I took the liberty to correct the pics.

I'm heading out to the garage to inspect all my gear tonight and go buy some more pool noodles.  .  Thanks for the report!