Four Days of Bliss,
Four Days of Hell.

By Chris Manchester

Simple plan…so we thought. Sea Kayaking from La Paz, Mexico to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, along the East cape of the finger of land known as the Baja California. We had allotted ten days for a total of 150 nautical miles and were ready for a challenge. Paddling fifteen miles a day would be the least of our challenges.

My partner on this particular journey was Jason Dewitt, a friend of mine, and North Shore Lake Tahoe local. He was about as active as one could get, but had never been in a sea kayak in his life…or any kayak for that matter. I on the other hand have been on many kayaking expeditions, and have been a sea kayaking instructor for four years at a well-known sea kayak outfit. I knew I would have no problem teaching him and that he would excel quickly…I was right. He picked up the paddle stroke technique instantly.

That first day, Jason was on my tail as I picked up the pace. I was pushing him hard— paddling about 60 miles in the first three days. He was a machine having no problem with the long hauls on semi-flat water. His paddle stoke was flawless. We camped on the third day at our first crossing, which was about five miles. Some of the camping was difficult because of rocky beaches, but everything else was smooth overall. The weather was good, the sun was out, the water warm, and the sea life abundant.