Launching from Ocean Beach SF

Wait what? Sounds crazy but today I saw a small fleet working it about a half mile from Seal Rock. Looks like they were going for Salmon instead of Hali with some whales breaching. Swells were at 1ft and looks totally launchable. Anyone ever try this? Seems like there’s a small window to do this.

Wait what? Sounds crazy but today I saw a small fleet working it about a half mile from Seal Rock. Looks like they were going for Salmon instead of Hali with some whales breaching. Swells were at 1ft and looks totally launchable. Anyone ever try this? Seems like there’s a small window to do this.

more than likely to eat it on the way in. OB has a really long break zone (I surf there all the time).

I second that opinion. OB looks like that a few days a year and the break zone is up to 1/2 mile offshore. It would chew up and spit out most of persons attempting to launch a kayak there...i have worked there for 19 years

Looks good..... be sure to have 3 GoPro cameras running so we can all have a good laugh. There are several beaches up here that have good fishing just off shore, if the beach is shallow, long, and surfers surf it “fogetaboutit”. But if you do we want the video!! 

Thanks for the cautionary heads up guys. Also spent practically my whole life surf fishing at OB and always eyed days like this. Seeing the fleet out there got me thinking if it’s worth it. Today the shore break near Kelly's Cove/Seal Rocks “looked” no worse than LM or Bolinas, but those hidden sandbars makes it deceiving. Saw a few paddleboarders launching from a rip so thought it might be possible from a yak.

I know kayakers who launch there and get limits of dungeness when the surf is flat (during crab season, obviously). But yeah, not many good days for it.

Wait what? Sounds crazy but today I saw a small fleet working it about a half mile from Seal Rock. Looks like they were going for Salmon instead of Hali with some whales breaching. Swells were at 1ft and looks totally launchable. Anyone ever try this? Seems like there’s a small window to do this.

Done it a handful of times with sandlance. Unless it’s flat, or you are super comfortable surfing, it’s probably not the best idea. Even when flat there is a lot of moving water out there.

Aloha,

Isao

Ps, I’ve been seeing that fleet, lmk if you are thinking of doing it and I’ll think about joining!

Also keep in mind on beautiful weekends the crowds come out. It doesn't necessarily mean the bite is lighting up. But yeah, that fleet is tempting.

Yea, that fleet and living a couple miles away from it made it super tempting. Not big on crowds either so I'm going to chicken out this time and save it for another day.

What's wrong with all of you nattering nabobs of negativism? I say go for it! And forget the GoPros--instead, go with a live feed, so we can all see the action live as it unfolds...

What's wrong with all of you nattering nabobs of negativism? I say go for it! And forget the GoPros--instead, go with a live feed, so we can all see the action live as it unfolds...

Boom!  I hate fear but am weary of risk.  Worst case, you get wet?  Because we are stowed and strapped and prepared to do a surf landing of several sections with only laughter in the midst because again, the learning curve of greatness and limits...

What's wrong with all of you nattering nabobs of negativism? I say go for it! And forget the GoPros--instead, go with a live feed, so we can all see the action live as it unfolds...

Boom!  I hate fear but am weary of risk.  Worst case, you get wet?  Because we are stowed and strapped and prepared to do a surf landing of several sections with only laughter in the midst because again, the learning curve of greatness and limits...

Got to live a 'lil and stay hazardous right? Rough seas make good sailors yakkers

Its been a few years but Ive seen a few times some OG's get pretty f'd up on landings.  We're talking guys who have hundreds of trips under their belts.  Not paralysis or anything.  But definitely risky, esp for middle and older aged. 

I saw a SURF kayaker make it out of OB once.  It took him three tries after getting smoked back to shore on his first two attempts.  I thought this is one brave, skilled, fit helmet-wearing meffr

“There are old skippers and bold skippers but no old bold skippers” well that may be a bit strong but there are thrills I’d rather chase than being yard saled with (even small) waves in both directions.