Saturday, September 11, 2010

Maiden Voyage

Bark Art
 
This morning, I launched my brand-spanking-new Bark 14 foot CT, from Casa Malibu to Paradise Cove, returning to Surfrider beach. The hill on the other side of PCH was enshrouded in fog.  I’m definitely keeping the Bark, hopefully for a very long time. And I plan to follow Joe’s specific instructions:  don't leave it out on the dock for any and all to use! 

If you ever get the chance to visit with Joe Bark, you will be a lucky person. He's generous, positive, great to talk to, and he's passionate about sharing paddleboard and paddling information. This was hardly "just a sale" for Joe -- it was more like a mentoring session appropriate to passing on a highly prized creation. And when it's over, if you understood what he was doing, it becomes your most prized possession, and your appreciation for his masterwork is probably just as (if not more) important than the sale. 'Nuf said.
So when my new board touched the water this morning, I was definitely feelin' the love!

Conditions were ideal: glassy with a small south swell. The board paddles well and really surfs well. It'll be fun to do a downwinder soon.

Here are some pictures of the board and the launch (Thanks for those, DeeAnn!).

Joe graciously lifted his face mask for this shot.

Then, he got more into it.

Prepping.



Prepping, again.

Checking the fog just across PCH and up the hill.




Going ...

Going ...

Going ,,,

See ya in about 3 hours!