The alarm goes off at 0450. I reach for it blindly, swatting at the buttons. It’s completely dark as I climb down from my bed and find the light switch. The kayaks are already loaded and tied, and all equipment stowed. Clothes are laid out, and an extra set is bagged. Sweatshirt, hat, gloves. It’s 79 degrees outside, but if I get wet, I might chill dramatically.
It’s a long drive to Third Beach. The police aren’t out, but we take it nice and slow. We’ve got a kayak tied down to the top of the van, and speed isn’t wise. We do, after an eternity, wind our way down Third Beach Road and park. The sun is just coming up.
I’m not fishing today. I’m here to put my kayak out in ocean water. There’s about two inches of surf. I didn’t manage to put together thigh straps before we left, so two inches is about right. By the time we get out on the water, the brilliant sun is starting to climb.
I forgot my sunglasses. I close my eyes and feel the warm sun on my face. I paddle towards the heat. Sun, water, gulls, pull, pull, pull. For a Pisces, this is bliss.
Once we’re out, I lay back on my kayak and feel the water rock. The long ocean swells roll under me, sometimes lapping against my legs.
I hear the surf washing against nearby rocks, and sit up. This is fun! The swell surges and sucks around the rocks. I’m too timid to venture in close, as this is the first time I’ve been out on the ocean in my kayak.
One large rock outcropping has an extensive seaweed garden behind it. The waves are silenced by the green fronds, and it is quite safe to paddle right up to the rocks.
After two hours on the water, my father catches a fish. It’s his very first time kayak fishing. Twenty-three pounds of tender, tasty bass. We’ll eat very well tonight!
My dad is awesome!