Catalina Crossing

[j mo]

Haven’t posted here in a while, been too busy chasing real fish

Last Sunday I made the Catalina Channel cross in a PA 14 (2015 on loan from Hobie). I was piloting a friend who made the swim. Incredible experience and the PA pretty much exceed all expectations I had for it. Despite the surface currents, as described by the Channell Assoc. as being the worst they have ever seen the PA tracked amazingly well. And despite there being a decent swell in the water, it was a pretty dry ride for the most part. That kayak is impressive! Saw some amazing things from flying fish landing in my lap to some bizarre phosphorescence and tons of shooting stars ( we made the jump around 10:30 pm). I passed more than one paddy that I know was holding. Which is the point of this note. Offshore is very, very doable with the right prep and planning and we aren’t going to see a better season that we have right now PERIOD.

Get out there, way out there….

[joefish808]

Did you go across the crossing to near Catalina island? Pretty damn impressive dude.

[JohnMckroidJr]

That's pretty impressive 19-23 miles? I am guessing that you started from around Pt. Fermin and went to the isthmus ? or did you do the extra miles for Avalon ? Curious: You were tending your freind swimming, must have had a boat also? How long did it take him to swim the channel ? Pilot charts do indicate this as one of the least windy times of the year to go way offshore -- Overnight head boats often do 2 day cortez bank trips this time of year.

[Iceman]

I have rented lots of kayaks for swimmers support. Usually done starting at night (that alone would freak me out) and done from Isthmus to Point Fermin.

How long was the swimmer in the water?

I love the opportunities we are having to go offshore in the kayaks!

[Pinhead]

Holy Smokes ! That' Nutz ..........but sounds like a lifetime accomplishment. Congrats on that boondoggle.

I won't ask if you trolled for Blue's

[j mo]

Launched from Drs Cove and headed for abolone cove(pv). Swimmer was taken way off course due to the surface currents..... There are two compeating theories on this: straight line or drift. Less miles or less fighting the current. Would have been better to go with the drift....

Pace was 14 hours. Could have done it half that in the PA. I barely broke a sweat. It was tuff to watch my buddy dry heave and crap himself. Meanwhile I was snacking on power bars and taking in the stars and wondering how many Marlin I was running over.

Drs cove is sweet. There is a nice campground up there. Very fishy!

[dmrides]

Pretty awesome! Good to see you getting on the water. Hope all is well.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by j mo

Launched from Drs Cove and headed for abolone cove(pv). Swimmer was taken way off course due to the surface currents..... There are two compeating theories on this: straight line or drift. Less miles or less fighting the current. Would have been better to go with the drift....

Pace was 14 hours. Could have done it half that in the PA. I barely broke a sweat. It was tuff to watch my buddy dry heave and crap himself.

Congratulations to your swimmer buddy. Trips like that are a testamonial to how comfortable the PA Vantage seat is. I have always thought of the currents running through that channel as primarily NW to SE and would have guessed it better to start from the mainland. Leaving at 10pm on a 14 hour pace must have put the swimmer in the shipping lanes during the morning busy hours -- must be some other currents or factors that weigh in for his transit to have been a preferred method.