We had a terrific group today. Me, Pat, Rich, Philippe, Eva, Alan, Barry and Corry. Met at the coast guard and did a run to Newport Pier. Smaller swell than Monday, but really humping winds and gusts. The ocean was a mess with runs going out to sea and then bigger ones heading straight in. IT was a very techincal paddle. Eva and Alan stayed inside surfing the harbor entrance and I chose the XT. Storm surf to come in and only Pat and Philippe did not swim. I lost, but found another hat! Love these storms, it surely adds to the confidence level to be able to paddle in them..

Me and Pat, Philippe and Alan of the North headed out in gale winds and rain....big west swell made for sloppy and confused nasty bump. Pat and Philippe went North..I went out and boinged around and came back. Alan didn't go as far as I did, but we all had smiles. Maybe all week we will get the bump with the storms coming in! And yea, Eva met us and went in and out the harbor entrance.

Reece is 10 years old and has been competitively swimming for just over a year. He has natural talent and some super quick fast twitch muscles. He just qualified for the Younder Age group Junior Olympics in the 50 Free. It will be held at the Olympic Pool in Long Beach on January 29. Way to go Reece!!

Haven't listed many paddles for a while, but had a good one today to get the new year started. 20 km in the double with Pat. 500 at 75% 1000 m at 65% steady.