Last night we arrived in Two Rivers around 5 pm and set up camp. It’s good to see so many distant paddling friends. I of course was anxious to get out on the 3 foot sloppy dumping surf that is somewhat of a big day for this side of the lake. I tossed on all my gear and Mary helped me carry my Nigel Dennis Explorer down the long wooden walkway, then over the dunes to the beach. Thousands of little silver fish lye dead as far as you can see both north and south along the waters edge. I’m told that this is a natural occurrence this time of year. These little guys are what keep our Lake Salmon fed.

As a small group of paddlers gathered on the shore to watch, as I launched out and tried to catch a little surf. Having an audience makes you feel like you’re supposed to do something, well… interesting. But to be honest, my kayak skills are just not all that interesting. I’m sure if they had paid, they’d be demanding their money back!!! I did try to get in a little surf time but the waves were very tight. No sooner would my kayak lift on a nice wave and the bow would quickly dive into the wave in front and kill my speed. Occasionally I’d get a bit frustrated and turn and roll into an oncoming wave just to get a bit of a rush from the power of the oncoming slop. I love the power of a big splashy surf. Even if “Big” means 2-3 feet. I did manage to catch a couple waves now and again that gave me a little time to drop my paddle into the water and practice using my ruddering technique to turn the boat in either direction. It’s nice to no longer let the wave tell me which way I have to go. I hate it when the waves boss me around!! Between you and I, I did get a bit spoiled on the ocean. The Explorer takes our little surf like a calm day in the sun. It doesn’t buck or weave. The warhorse just faithfully glides along with little respect for such meager waves.

Today the lake has calmed. Mary will get some time with her Greenlander in a perfect learning surf. I’ll take my Actua. I think my little angel will have more fun. The warhorse, is telling me it’s pining for a little salt.