31 mile La Jolla Canyon paddle

[BenCantrell]

Did 31 miles on the Trident on Saturday, following the contour of LJ Canyon and then coming back with the help of the westerly wind and slight current to the south. Big thanks to Tom for going over what to expect if I had paddled to the 9 Mile Bank instead. I think fighting the current on the way back would have made it pretty miserable. The route I ended up doing wasn't bad - in fact it was easier than some of my 20 mile paddles before I added the rudder. A Catalina crossing doesn't seem so intimidating now! I had one rod with a 3 oz megabait ready to throw at pelagics, but other than a few small schools of bait I didn't see any fish. There were plenty of dolphins, and a few times a bird would dive, but then it would always fly off to look for better prospects.

5:15 AM launch.


Wave Buoy about 10 miles out.


Underside of the buoy.


Huge school of bait underneath, didn't see any predators though.


15 miles from shore, the wind died completely.


The last mile, wind was moving me along at 1 mph if I stopped paddling.


Garmin screenshot.

[Latimeria]

That's insane Ben!  I really hope you get onto some tuna in that kayak.  September is probably the best month to catch tuna on the 9-mile bank.

Impressive paddle!

[skrilla]

That wind was annoying on Sunday on the inside. Way to get that conditioning in. How do you like the rudder and what's the biggest difference for you? I'm undecided on adding one.

[BenCantrell]

That wind was annoying on Sunday on the inside. Way to get that conditioning in. How do you like the rudder and what's the biggest difference for you? I'm undecided on adding one.

The rudder changed the game. It took me about two outings to get used to it, but once I did I forgot all about paddling harder on one side vs the other when fighting the wind.

[vdisney]

Wow................that's a lot of paddling Ben.  Much respect my man