Sea kayaking the Port Gamble Bay (just north of Hood Canal Bridge) (3-31-2012) -- Class I,II. Rainy, Temp mid 40s. 8 miles for 0930-1430
The paddling trip was a PWC event hosted by Bob & Shirley McBride. Jim, Lori, and I joined the paddle. He pretty much paddles every weekend and practices safe paddling. Bob is an excellent paddler and very strong. I could not keep up with him (who is in 70s).
Around 0930, we launched our kayak at the Salsbury Point Park, a City & County Park. Water was rough until crossing the Port Gamble, estimated Class 2 to 2.5. My right foot paddle got loose but I kept on paddling anyway. I had to concentrate a bit in trying to stay up straight, and at some time, I had to remind myself of leaning toward the waves, and ready to low and high braces. I don't really think the practices at the pool are working but, at least, I was thinking braces. It appears that I don't have a clear concept of boat tilting and balancing using my trunk. I really think it's due to my lack of paddling experience. I need to paddle more often in some choppy and wavy water, but with safety in mind firsst.
It was my first paddling wih a borrowed kayak, Wilderrness Systems Tempest 170 from Paul. With lots of confidence in rolling as I had dillengently practiced in the pool, I rolled a number of time during lunch and when we came back. It was a bummer that, in ealier in the morning, I broke the left knee brace. Luckily, Paul installed an aluminum plate behind that hold the knee brace in place. It was fun to paddle the boat and I would like to buy a plastic Tempest 170 as my play boat.
Looking forward to paddling the Hammersly inlet (Shelton, WA) next Saturday with the PWCers and South Sound kayakers.
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