Editor’s note: Thanks to TR Captain Deb Volturno for contributing some of the photos in this post. And thanks to everyone who participated in the Surf Sirens gathering this year. This group rocks!
The third annual Surf Sirens gathering at Hobuck Beach on the Makah Reservation in Washington State was a big success. On the first day, Friday, September 21, sixteen women showed up for some an impromptu rock garden paddle and some ocean whitewater play. It was a soft, drizzly day with relatively flat conditions but a fair amount of wind.
We paddled out from Neah Bay to Waadah Island and around to the northern side facing the San Juan de Fuca Strait. There we found some nice features: pour overs, slots, and a nifty little spot like an elevator where you paddle through a crevice as the water rises and falls with the ebb and flow of the sea.
It was fun to watch the paddlers disappear down behind the rocks and then rise again to go shooting out the back side when a good wave pushed through. I sure wish I had gotten a photo of Jo Ann Moore riding her wave; I’ve never seen anyone look so stoked!
We took a break for lunch on the rocks and then messed around some more before heading back to set up camp at Hobuck and get dinner. This year I opted for a cabin. It was pricey, but though I’d slept in the truck last year I had the feeling it was going to rain this time, and it did. It was nice to have a warm room to come back to where I could hang the wet suit up to dry. I spread out the gear, ate a light dinner, and fell asleep in a comfortable bed within sound of the sea.
On Saturday, seventeen women showed up for surf kayak instruction. Eight of us, including me, chose to be in the short boat group, with surf kayaks, whitewater kayaks and waveskis. I enjoyed the long boat surf instruction I got last year, but this year I’ve been playing around with river kayaking paddling my first Mamba, and I wanted more.
It was so much fun! The instruction was great, as always. Jameson Riser and Melinda Moree were the instructors for our group, and were really helpful while we attempted to master the admittedly shitty surf. However, I always maintain you can have a good time and learn stuff regardless of conditions. In fact, paddling in challenging conditions makes you that much better on nicer days.
The waves were choppy and droppy, and before class, I had watched the few board surfers braving the rough conditions. Boards and bodies were flying. Almost no one was getting rides. Rather than try to catch the waves on the outside I decided to play in the aftershock. Out and in, out and in, catching a few short rides and getting dumped a fair amount. Lots of face enemas, but a fun and vigorous workout. We stayed out till we were all pretty thrashed. It was a good day for boat control.
That night we regrouped for another fantastic potluck – yum! The bar keeps rising. Everyone contributed and we had a massive spread of healthy, nourishing, and REALLY GOOD food. Barbecued ribs, yummy soups, fruit, bruschetta, salads, desserts, all kinds of delights for hungry stomachs.
Here’s what Surf Sirens Co-Founder and Tsunami Ranger Deb Volturno had to say: “Saturday was an extraordinary day for surf play! Great to see the fun and excitement with everyone out in the waves shredding it up. I think almost everyone got out for some wave time!”
Before I left, I made time to drive out to Cape Flattery and take the short hike out to the tip of the cape where I was rewarded with amazing scenery and a view of Tatoosh Island. It was great to stretch the legs after sitting in a kayak all day the day before, and before the long drive to Vancouver, WA, my next stop.
This surf camp is awesome. I like the way it’s set up so participants can take advantage of anywhere from one to three days of instruction. Days One and Three are unofficial paddle days; some of the instructors come along and are available for questions and a little coaching but the official day for instruction happens on Saturday. That’s the day you really don’t want to miss.
On Sunday morning conditions had improved drastically. The waves looked small and well-regulated and the sun was making a fitful appearance. I would have liked to have stuck around but duty calls. Last year I paddled one day, this year I paddled two days, so probably next year I’ll arrange it so I can do all three. Why not make the most of it? Plus it’s a beautiful place to paddle.
A good time was had by all. Instructor Jennifer Yearly joined us this year from down in California and it was great to have her. It’s wonderful that we have so many fantastic women kayak instructors who together offer us students so many years of combined experience.
Here’s one more comment from Deb: “I love this event, and always feel energized by the level of commitment and enthusiasm of all who participate!” I second that emotion!
Join us for the fourth annual Surf Sirens Kayak Surf Camp in 2019 coming Sept 20-22!!! You don’t want to miss it. And check us out on Facebook or go to surfsirens.org for more information.
Looks like a total blast and waver warrior woman! Geat post, group, place and people. I can attest to excellent wave ski surfing teaching of Melinda Moree, she rocks it and taught me good technique for sure a few months ago.
Is this campsite where we put for the Ranger retreat up there several years ago?
Thanks and dont stop!
Hey Steve, yes, you called it, that is indeed the campsite to which you refer. So glad Deb conned, er, uh, talked me into joining this group. I’m sold! It’s so much fun, and such a beautiful place and great people.
And no, we have no intention of stopping 😉
Thanks for reading and thanks for your comment. Love you and miss you!