Story and Photos by Ben Burgess (except as noted)
July 21, 2024
My first real paddle with the club took place this past Sunday, and it was a fantastic experience. Gathering at Waiale‘e Beach Park, eight paddlers on seven kayaks unloaded our boats and got ready for the day’s adventure. After organizing our gear and arranging the 18-mile roundtrip car shuttle to Hale‘iwa Beach Park, we launched at around 9:45 AM.
Led by our experienced paddle leader, Tim Sawyer, the first stretch was smooth sailing, with a beautiful day on the water and no significant swells to challenge us. Paddling past the famous North Shore surf breaks, including Sunset Beach, was a real treat, though we paddled a bit offshore to avoid the breaking waves at Sunset Point.
Once beyond the surf, the paddle became even more relaxed, allowing us to enjoy the stunning coastline and admire the homes along the beachfront while scoping out beach erosion. One of my favorite parts was Sharks Cove, where we navigated close to the rocks, carefully avoiding snorkelers. I was on my Prowler 13, which I managed with, but it was a bit difficult to keep on track at times without a rudder. However, I am happy to report I managed to keep up with the group.
Halfway through, we stopped at Waimea Bay for a lunch break. The water was incredibly clear and blue, so we all enjoyed a dip before finding shade against the rocky cliff to refuel for the second half of the paddle. While eating lunch, we took in the sights of the busy Jumping Rock and beach. The camaraderie was fantastic, with everyone sharing stories and snacks, making the break even more enjoyable.
As we continued towards Hale‘iwa, a steady easterly wind helped us along the coast. We saw lots of honu (green sea turtles) at various points along the way, adding a bit of magic to our journey. I logged an average speed of 2.8 miles per hour, covering a total distance of 9.94 miles. Approaching Hale‘iwa Beach Park, the sun’s golden glow cast a serene light over the water and the welcome sight of the War Memorial where we parked our cars hours earlier, wrapping up a perfect day on the ocean. This paddle was a fantastic introduction to the club, and I look forward to many more adventures with this great group.