Lost Coast Surf Zone - 5/4/17

How to Ocean: When the forecast shows that the wind is about to nuke everything for several days, GO!

Today I made a quick afternoon run to the farthest western playground on my favorites list. There was a mild breeze, but summerlike temps had me barefootin' it for a 3 mile beach hike. I'd intended to just do a quick dive and grab a bigger ab than what I'd been seeing at Shelter Cove earlier in the week, but once I got in the water I got all enthused... The viz was near zero - muddy and frothy from messy inshore surf. I quickly located a couple of decent abs that I've photo'd and rubbed my hand across a few times in the last couple of years, but I wanted a real fatty. I went searching out in the surf zone where I was ducking waves that looked much worse than they were, and before long I found a great rock with a large shelf under it and several openings. At only 7' deep just after low tide, I was able to keep finding my rock even in the crappy visibility, and it had about half a dozen abs on it. One of them felt like a dandy, so I focused on it. Alternating between ducking waves, resting and working up under that rock, I spent about an hour working on the ab.

When I go into the wilderness by myself - whether it's along the streams, in the forest, offshore on the yak or diving the reef, I am focused on taking care of myself. I call it hyper vigilance - I'm constantly watching, listening and feeling my way - always ready to react. Diving is the most critical activity for this attentiveness. I am very confident and comfortable in the water, and I try not to take that for granted.

Working on this abalone for so long had me thinking about my fitness level, and it felt great to be getting an ocean workout. I run most mornings - only 2 miles, but I've put in just over 200 miles since the beginning of the year. I also paddle 6 to 8 hours at a time, so that helps too. What I'm getting at here is that I train for my lifestyle. I am involved in dangerous activities where I admit it would be wiser to have someone along, but it doesn't always work out like that. Part of what I wish to show people through my guiding is how rewarding it is to challenge yourself physically in a wild and beautiful setting.

This ab was in a tough spot in the most challenging conditions. I really wanted it - especially after deciding to put my iron under it. Of course I was stoked when it measured out to 10.375 inches, but getting the abalone is secondary to having the experience.

This is how I want to live my life.

WTG Eric. Love those kind of pursuits.  Even though I have made the call to abort before getting what I wanted due to fatigue.  Having another day to do it is just as important. 

Thanks for sharing your adventures. 

Thanks for sharing your thought and story Eric.  I envy your life style! 

Mahalo for sharing your adventure and congrats on the trophy ab. The cove is one of the most beautiful place along our California coast. You are one lucky guy bruddah.

Very nice! Did you pull a kayak down and back?

Beautiful report!

thanks for the story and congratulations on another brute

Congrats Eric and thanks for another great report.

Very nice! Did you pull a kayak down and back?

I decided not to.  The load didn't feel too bad in the backpack.  I was very near that same rock that you, Joe and I found last summer.

Great story Eric, makes me want to get in better shape. I still do all the things I like to do,it just hurts the next few days, and takes a lot longer to recoup !!

 

LOVE these reports!!

Congrats on another awesome adventure and thanks for sharing!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Always enjoy your reports Eric!  Glad you were to get out before weather takes a dump.  See ya in a few weeks!

Very nice! Did you pull a kayak down and back?

I decided not to.  The load didn't feel too bad in the backpack.  I was very near that same rock that you, Joe and I found last summer.

Right on, I wondered if it was near that area we dove. Your feet gotta be super tough to handle that trek down and back with no shoes.

Eric, your write up is very nice and have a great story telling that will keep people glued to it.  You should think about sharing this via a social media.  I have no doubt that you will gain tons of follower over time between your write ups, pics, and videos.  I think I speak for a lot of people that we are very grateful for your stories.

Wow great story, feel like we were in each wave with you