Paddling Santa Cruz, California

Lighthouse at the end of Santa Cruz Harbour

Lighthouse at the end of Santa Cruz Harbour

My paddle in Santa Cruz was going to be the maiden voyage of my new Folbot Cooper kayak. And had I not smashed about 300 shots of Cabo Wabo tequila the night before it probably would have been. But in the state I was, I decided assembling a kayak was out of the question and that I’d have to hire one, alongside friend @NoReinsGirl.

Now had I been smart I’d have hired the slow and stable version, but instead I hired a “sit on top” kevlar yak that was the tippiest boat I’d ever had the pleasure to paddle. This was of course a big mistake, since we made our way out to a pretty calm sea, only to find me scrabbling away trying to get back to the safety of Harbour without falling in. Fortunately @NoReinsGirl had no problems on her maiden voyage to sea – well done girl!

@NoReinsGirl out to sea for the first time

@NoReinsGirl out to sea for the first time

Watching the yachts at play, Santa Cruz California

Watching the yachts at play, Santa Cruz California

Other than that piece of excitement, I just simply felt too sick and jetlagged to paddle much more, so we did a cruisy few kms before turning in. The only other real excitement was paddling past an old sickly-looking sea-lion on the Santa Cruz Harbour, a vision that frankly reminded me of how I must also have looked. Maybe next paddle I’ll feel a bit better! đŸ™‚

Close encounter with an old sea-lion. Not sure who looked worse off...

Close encounter with an old sea-lion. Not sure who looked worse off...

The Fat Paddler by Sean Smith