Destination: Cabo - The Long Way - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

wavster · 06-15-2010, 08:34 AM

drunkentiger: yes. I paddled to Pt. Loma not last Saturday, but
the Saturday before. wind was light and the paddle wasn't
bad. Trolled a swimbait and threw an iron at some areas that
looked promising. No bites, but took 11 hours for that paddle.
Definitely needed the rudder, which I installed the next day.

JoeBeck: It's all about time and money. While I considered doing the
Cortez side, I wanted to try the Pacific side first. Circumnavigating
the entire peninsula would be quite the trek, though.

SPOT: regarding the SPOT messenger, I've had several conversations with
Spot and DeLorme regarding a new product, though it may not be
ready by the time I leave. Either way, I'll have the Spot so others can
track my progress. Does anyone have any insight as to how well that
actually works? I've read the info on their site, but in reality, what's
the feedback? I'd be curious to know.

Radio recommendation: I'm still researching the best (affordable) radio
for use on a kayak. Given that my range will be limited, any insight into
a quality, floating radio for weather and communication with other boats
would be great. I've done a ton of research, but again, I'm looking for
practical experience. Any input is appreciated. Also, what's the most
common channel used in Baja by Americans?

Dave

miguelitro · 06-15-2010, 06:28 PM

I am pretty sure that most fishing villages in baja have a few people who monitor VHF or whatever it is that most fishing boats use, as far as what channel i assume it varies.

kareem korn · 06-15-2010, 06:40 PM

Have fun brutha. You know your abilities. Trust your instincts and it will be something for you to remember for the rest of your life.

MalibuJohnny · 06-16-2010, 07:42 AM

Since that little girl (sorry 16 year old) fell short on her trip I think Shoe City might have a few miles left on their sponsorship, maybe they have a few bucks to offer?

Holy Mackerel · 06-17-2010, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavster

SPOT: regarding the SPOT messenger, I've had several conversations with Spot and DeLorme regarding a new product, though it may not be ready by the time I leave.

What product are they coming out with? One problem I have with SPOT, is the inability to confirm if messages were recieved. I hope they come up with some simple Satellite text messaging system, I'd buy one in a heartbeat for offshore.

Where are you launching from LJ, or IB?

Goodluck, it will interesting to watch this voyage.

Riskey Water · 06-17-2010, 09:15 AM

Going Solo is rightious,but leaves you vulnerable.As they say "Safty in Numbers" I did your trip 8 years ago solo and avoided all unneccesary contact with locals other than the occassional need for supplies.I lived in Mex for 6 years prior to my trip, just north of Baja Mar so my spanish was fare .Camping involved being loooow profile,landing at sunset leaving at sunrise,no fires to draw attention to yourself at night,I felt that was an invitation to trouble. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A TRAVEL VISA and PASSPORT .These times can be enlightening to find out who you really are in the solitude. You may come across people sailing moored in coves ,say Howdy and they might invite onboard for a coctail or the night for a restful sleep. Good Luck and Godspeed

wavster · 06-17-2010, 10:50 AM

Bob, I appreciate your concerns. I've been to Baja so many times
over the past 25 years, I couldn't count them all. There are definitely
risks, which I plan to minimize as much as possible. I don't plan on
living my life so scared of what could happen that I don't live.

There are areas in San Diego that I wouldn't want to go through at
any time of the day. I don't think any country or city is any different.
I do hope that I don't run into any trouble and I certainly won't be
"trolling" for any.

As Charles pointed out, my main concern is water. Not having enough
drinking water, having too much salty stuff in my kayak, large surf,
driving rains from hurricanes, etc. Water is my biggest ally and biggest
foe for this expedition.

Riskey: If you have any insight, PM me and I'd love to hear it. Did you
kayak the entire length of Baja? How long did it take you? What were
you paddling?

Arriving and departing under the radar is definitely part of the plan. I won't
be cruising through town looking for bars, babes, or beer...

Speaking of beer, Stone Brewing has informed me that they would
supply me with cases of beer for this journey. I just need chase
vehicles to supply me. If anyone is heading South and would like to
participate, PM me and we can talk details. Naturally, there's beer
in it for anyone who helps.

Chris: Spot and DeLorme are partnering up with the Earthmate PN-60w
which is a satellite based text communicator. Its due out in July,
but may not be available before I leave. They are working on getting
me an eval or beta unit for my trip, but may not have it. It looks sweet!

Again, anyone with insight or contacts in Baja they'd like to share, PM me.
This trip is going to be extremely difficult under the best conditions
and I'm sure that I'll require help many times along the way. Specifically,
I'm looking for resupply depots along my route and have made many
contacts so far, but could use more. I'm not looking for freebies, I
intend to pay for everything, but accessibility could be the big problem.

dorado50 · 06-17-2010, 11:22 AM

If I liked stoneale beer I'd be all over that.

. For the doubters,Dave has more determination and drive than necessary for this trip. To Mr. BOB,take risks not to escape life but to prevent life from escapeing.

Dan · 06-17-2010, 11:30 AM

Good luck on this trip. The challenges and rewards will make this a great adventure. Get a round of a broad spectrum antibiotics. Cipro should cover you from food poisoning to an infected wound.

Thresher_Cowboy · 06-17-2010, 03:23 PM

Dumb idea and irresponsible. I don't expect you to come back but I just hope you don't give anybody else the same idea. If somebody needs to explain to you why this is a stupid idea maybe you should go ahead and go for it....

06-15-2010, 08:34 AM	#1
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	drunkentiger: yes. I paddled to Pt. Loma not last Saturday, but the Saturday before. wind was light and the paddle wasn't bad. Trolled a swimbait and threw an iron at some areas that looked promising. No bites, but took 11 hours for that paddle. Definitely needed the rudder, which I installed the next day. JoeBeck: It's all about time and money. While I considered doing the Cortez side, I wanted to try the Pacific side first. Circumnavigating the entire peninsula would be quite the trek, though. SPOT: regarding the SPOT messenger, I've had several conversations with Spot and DeLorme regarding a new product, though it may not be ready by the time I leave. Either way, I'll have the Spot so others can track my progress. Does anyone have any insight as to how well that actually works? I've read the info on their site, but in reality, what's the feedback? I'd be curious to know. Radio recommendation: I'm still researching the best (affordable) radio for use on a kayak. Given that my range will be limited, any insight into a quality, floating radio for weather and communication with other boats would be great. I've done a ton of research, but again, I'm looking for practical experience. Any input is appreciated. Also, what's the most common channel used in Baja by Americans? Dave __________________

06-16-2010, 07:42 AM	#4
MalibuJohnny Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lahina (I Wish) Posts: 272	Help pay for your trip idea Since that little girl (sorry 16 year old) fell short on her trip I think Shoe City might have a few miles left on their sponsorship, maybe they have a few bucks to offer? __________________ Malibu Johnny must catch fish

06-17-2010, 10:50 AM	#7
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	Bob, I appreciate your concerns. I've been to Baja so many times over the past 25 years, I couldn't count them all. There are definitely risks, which I plan to minimize as much as possible. I don't plan on living my life so scared of what could happen that I don't live. There are areas in San Diego that I wouldn't want to go through at any time of the day. I don't think any country or city is any different. I do hope that I don't run into any trouble and I certainly won't be "trolling" for any. As Charles pointed out, my main concern is water. Not having enough drinking water, having too much salty stuff in my kayak, large surf, driving rains from hurricanes, etc. Water is my biggest ally and biggest foe for this expedition. Riskey: If you have any insight, PM me and I'd love to hear it. Did you kayak the entire length of Baja? How long did it take you? What were you paddling? Arriving and departing under the radar is definitely part of the plan. I won't be cruising through town looking for bars, babes, or beer... Speaking of beer, Stone Brewing has informed me that they would supply me with cases of beer for this journey. I just need chase vehicles to supply me. If anyone is heading South and would like to participate, PM me and we can talk details. Naturally, there's beer in it for anyone who helps. Chris: Spot and DeLorme are partnering up with the Earthmate PN-60w which is a satellite based text communicator. Its due out in July, but may not be available before I leave. They are working on getting me an eval or beta unit for my trip, but may not have it. It looks sweet! Again, anyone with insight or contacts in Baja they'd like to share, PM me. This trip is going to be extremely difficult under the best conditions and I'm sure that I'll require help many times along the way. Specifically, I'm looking for resupply depots along my route and have made many contacts so far, but could use more. I'm not looking for freebies, I intend to pay for everything, but accessibility could be the big problem. __________________

06-17-2010, 11:22 AM	#8
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	If I liked stoneale beer I'd be all over that.. For the doubters,Dave has more determination and drive than necessary for this trip. To Mr. BOB,take risks not to escape life but to prevent life from escapeing.

06-15-2010, 06:28 PM	#2
miguelitro Team Bad Habits Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pacific Beach Posts: 119	I am pretty sure that most fishing villages in baja have a few people who monitor VHF or whatever it is that most fishing boats use, as far as what channel i assume it varies.

06-15-2010, 06:40 PM	#3
kareem korn Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: C-bad Posts: 431	Have fun brutha. You know your abilities. Trust your instincts and it will be something for you to remember for the rest of your life.

06-17-2010, 09:15 AM	#6
Riskey Water Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: On the water ofcourse Posts: 142	Going Solo is rightious,but leaves you vulnerable.As they say "Safty in Numbers" I did your trip 8 years ago solo and avoided all unneccesary contact with locals other than the occassional need for supplies.I lived in Mex for 6 years prior to my trip, just north of Baja Mar so my spanish was fare .Camping involved being loooow profile,landing at sunset leaving at sunrise,no fires to draw attention to yourself at night,I felt that was an invitation to trouble. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A TRAVEL VISA and PASSPORT .These times can be enlightening to find out who you really are in the solitude. You may come across people sailing moored in coves ,say Howdy and they might invite onboard for a coctail or the night for a restful sleep. Good Luck and Godspeed

06-17-2010, 11:30 AM	#9
Dan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,053	Good luck on this trip. The challenges and rewards will make this a great adventure. Get a round of a broad spectrum antibiotics. Cipro should cover you from food poisoning to an infected wound.

06-17-2010, 03:23 PM	#10
Thresher_Cowboy Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 86	Dumb idea and irresponsible. I don't expect you to come back but I just hope you don't give anybody else the same idea. If somebody needs to explain to you why this is a stupid idea maybe you should go ahead and go for it....