My Personal Yardsale/Rolling Safety Advice!

[IMTHESKI]

My X-Factor hasn't been out in a VERY long time. So I spent a night lurking here to see what has been going on and what is new. The next morning Monday(6/10) I ran by OEX Mission Bay to get a few needed items. I made a few more errands and hit Dog Beach in OB. Crossed the river outlet then climbed over the concrete barrier to go play in Mission Bay. Was having a great time with no bites, even after 8-10 circles around the bait barge. I decided to make a run for the Point Loma Kelp beds. After no bites and a great eight or so hours on the water I decided to make a surf landing at Dog Beach. I thought I had it all planned out. The things I really cared about were in hatches or leashed, minus my sabiki use rod. I was doing great for awhile then got hit by a wave(guessing 4-6'), went a bit sideways but was paddling through it. Then the second wave....went sideways, rolled a few times and was wrapped up in my paddle lanyard. Now I have a semi-water filled kayak pushing down, my life vest pushing up with me in the middle getting a nice hug from my lanyard I was tangled in. I fought my way out, gathered my floating gear/trash bag and lost a rod/reel. I also snapped the bungee handle thingy on the right side handle(off to Mission Bay OEX soon to get that fixed, they do great work!)

Here are some valuable lessons I learned...

1. Don't just plan on the "if's". Think them through the entire way in detail in a worst case scenario.

2. Lanyards/leashes are great in the open water if you drop something. On the way in shortening them down might be a safer idea. Getting tangled is pretty scary when it is happening. I am used to getting thrown around the surf, adding a 14' kayak is a whole different animal.

3. Sunscreen....reapply. I did an initial spray and thought I was ok. My legs are roasted and it has prevented me from doing much all week. I usually burn pretty well, I swear my ankles have nerve/tendon damage! Didn't realize I was roasted until I was at home washing off all my gear. My legs match the Coke can!

4. Sort of a #1 thing but have a change of dry clothes. Drove home sitting on a sweater I happened to have in my back seat.

Some things I did right...

1. Left a note for my wife saying exactly where I was going, just in case.

2. Double checked all my safety gear and items before hitting the water. Found out I also need to replace the middle plastic clip on my forward hatch and towing wheels that have worn out from heat/drying out.

3. Had my wallet, fishing license, cell phone in a quality zip-loc bag. They all survived!

4. Kept calm, learned from my mistakes and had a great time doing it! It might happen again and I will be better prepared.