Back in the Boat

My last paddling venture was on August 24. I wrote about that in a previous post. On August 29 I underwent surgery for a knee replacement. Today marks my first time back in the boat, 77 days post-surgery. Joining my BASK paddling buddies, nine of us assembled on the beach at Eckley Pier and launched at 10:30.

Given the hiatus, I was anxious about getting to the launch with all of my gear, my ability to get in and out of the boat, and my stamina for the paddle. We managed to launch without missing any piece of gear, although my wife and I picked up the wrong paddles. We were both thinking something wasn’t quite right until I noticed I was using her paddle. My paddle is a little longer and has a little bigger shaft. Amazing how much this affected our sense of well-being.

My knee is still a bit stiff, but by sitting on the back deck and sliding into the cockpit I was able to get into the boat comfortably. From the beach we paddled towards the middle of Carquinez Strait to pick up the current. As we passed Benicia Shoals, we were riding a 2.5 knot current. Making quick time, we landed at the Martinez Marina boat ramp at 11:30.

Once we had all the boats off the boat ramp, we broke out our lunches. It seems to be a tradition in this group to share chocolate, and today there was no shortage: Ghirardelli, Baby Ruth, chocolate-covered caramel and more!

After lunch it was time to move the boats back down the boat ramp and onto the water. Our plan was to stay close to shore and eddy hop as needed until the current changed. It seems the current was with us on the return, so we made good time.

We didn’t get very far on the return leg before my camera battery died. (Note to self: change the battery during the lunch stop.) With the dramatic clouds and lighting, I didn’t want to miss the photo opportunities, so I made a quick dash to the little beach at Port Costa and changed the battery.

Staying close to shore gave us the opportunity to play in the pilings. Those of us that didn’t mind risking scratches on our boats made our way through the pilings, while a few with composite boats decided to stay outside and avoid the risk.

We were back at the beach at Eckley Pier at 2:05, having logged close to nine miles. After sitting in the boat for an hour, I found that I could hardly stand; my knee had stiffened up from sitting. With the help of friends, I got out of the boat, and we got the boats off the beach and back on the top of the car. I don’t quite have the range of motion I’d like to have to get in and out of the kayak easily, but that will come with time. It was great to be back on the water paddling with good friends. Here’s the track of our course.

More photos available in an online gallery.