Up the Creek without a Paddle

Went out of Bodega yesterday launched at about 9:30 wanted to fish the top of the tide and the start of the outflow. Since I was solo I was just going to fish close to the beach and jetty, when I got outside the jetty there was no swell and no wind only waves were from boats, so I decided to hit a spot were I have done well before about 1/2 mile from the jaws. The water was very clear where I start the drift it was 19' deep and I could clearly see the bottom. The drift was slow 30 min drift and 5 min. to paddle back. Half way thru the 3rd drift fish on fighting like a butte I get him along side the boat reach for the gaff and my leader breaks crap to make it worse he just sorta floats away slowly and I could see him for quite awhile as he floats back to the depths. Next drift hook up in the same spot again, but can tell right away not a butte, nice size sandshark, next drift 20" butte than a nice angelshark which I thought was a butte till I saw it, another small butte then the wind kicks up.

The wind and tide are both coming from the Jaws but still no swell so you had to keep paddling to keep from getting blown back out anyway bout 1/2 way back snap my paddle breaks, the paddle end is gone then I see it floating away slowly sinking got it just in time. End of the shaft split and the paddle end fell out. Throw out the sea anchor do a radio check and get the first aid kit out for a piece of gaffers tape. Tape it up good to go little spongy but it works. Paddle a 1/4 mile and pop the other side comes off grab it not as bad so I just stick it back in little tape under way again but the first side keeps wanting to fall out, so I wrap my hand around it works OK just lucky my arms are long. Once inside the jetty my reel starts screaming and line is flying out my scupper then stops    Big Seal       my shiner had swam out my scupper and I guess the seal was checking out my kayak too funny. I always carry a spare paddle but I had left it up the river and just had a wooden canoe paddle with me. It was good day except for losing my butte. Anyone have a paddle do that? Now I can buy a better paddle.

That's wild....

  Pretty Damm eventful day there.............. Danglin

i always thought that crrying a spare paddle unessecary since mine is on a leash. now i understand why it is necessary. thanks for the post.

What was the brand and model of the paddle??

Good report and fun with the Hook-ups and not so fun on the broken paddle and heart from the But' break-off.
That's got me worrying now, I've got one of those 2-pc. already, a malfunction and I would DEFINETLY be up S#IT CREEK!  

an XTRA paddle should be HIGHER in the SAFETY ITEM LIST.   Don't you think?

What was the brand and model of the paddle??

 
VOYAGEUR Fibreglass don't remember the model #. They have a lifetime Guarantee I have E-Mailed pictures to them, I'll see what happens. They are a British Co.

XTRA paddle should be HIGHER in the SAFETY ITEM LIST.   Don't you think?

Yep

Ewwww...that's the same paddle I have. 

Thanks for the report, Mike.

  Way to make it work! Glad you got in, its spooky when something like happens.
  I had the same thing happen with my cheapie (fiberglass shaft, plastic blades) whitewater surfing paddle last thanksgiving. I had just set up for a nice La Conchita beachbreak wave. Check over the shoulder-looks good, I'm about to drop in...one more paddle stroke to cement the deal annnd crrrack! Paddle shaft split at the base of the blade. I was totally committed to the wave then, so I ended up doing a braced side surf into the beach.
 I did a quick fix & scored a couple more waves, then after I got home I globbed the shaft with gorilla glue. I have used the paddle since for fitness, but am reluctant to surf with it again. I'm pretty sure it is a voyager paddle as well.
 I'll be interested to see what response you get from the manufacturer.

man reading that I'm somewhat gladd to be pedaling a hobie (and that I don't use a composite paddle)

I think I am going to get another paddle just in case.

Mike.....you can also use the center hatch of your Fish N Dive as a paddle 

I did the same at Lake Del Valle last week I almost always leash my paddle but I forgot to bring it this time...anyway, here I'am thinking that it was leashed, so I tossed the paddle to the side of the kayak while I was trying to land a bass...as soon as I had lipped the bass, I reached for my paddle only to see it floating away  I used the center hatch of my Trident (had to cut the line attached to it) to paddle my way to my run-away paddle

A day on the water is always a learning experience 

here's a cool little spare paddle for under $20.00...

man reading that I'm somewhat gladd to be pedaling a hobie (and that I don't use a composite paddle)

Yes, that's why the saying goes "keep it complex, with many moving parts, stupid". Actually, the cool thing about hobies, is that you generally carry your spare paddle along, while you're pedaling.

:BangHead I used the center hatch of my Trident (had to cut the line attached to it) to paddle my way to my run-away paddle

Joel,

No need to do that. Just paddle with your hands, it's easy to do 2 mph. Think paddleboard.  I don't know why no one believes me on this...

Regards,
Scott

I am going to try the arm paddle this weekend. I think my arms are not wide enough for my Marauder.

here's a cool little spare paddle for under $20.00...

Super cool product, what is the brand and where do I locate it?

Mike