Destination: Cabo - The Long Way
 

Well, after 2 years of thinking about it and some serious planning
I've committed to an expedition that I expect will change my life:
paddling solo from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, a nearly 1,100 mile trek.

My plan is to paddle my Trident 15 from San Diego and hit every great
fishing spot along the way. I've done a lot of research, made some test
runs, spoke to others who have sailed it, and have done of my homework.
This trip will not be easy, but I expect to encounter a lot of great fishing.

I have several reasons for making this trip, including documenting the
status of the oceans and fisheries along the way. I've got several cameras
mounted on my kayak as well as hand helds. Hopefully, I'll get some great
footage along the way, which I'll share when I return.

I've got some great sponsors, including Surf to Summit, Werner Paddles,
and my personal favorite, Stone Brewing Company. They've agreed to
supply me with all the IPA I want along my route.

I'll be posting more before I go but, if anyone has any constructive
comments, connections in Baja they could share, or would like to help by
helping me resupply along the way (driving or on a boat), that would be
great. I expect the trip to take between 45-60 days, so if anyone is
heading south during July and August, the timing might coincide.

If you want to learn more about the trip, you can find it here:
http://wavster.blogspot.com.

Wish me luck.
Dave

Dave, That sounds hard core! Should be an epic journey. I look forward to the reports and probably reading the book that I'm sure is already in the works :cheers1:
Good Luck:you_rock:

Incredible!! This is awesome. I'd like to see some pics of your rig, and I'm sure there will be pics of you starting off on your adventure. I'll be monitoring your site for updates (using www.changedetection.com). Will you be doing updates along the way? They simplest way I can suggest is cell phone texts, but that would mean using one of the social network sites - Facebook - not sure about the others. Just a thought. Besides, I don't think there is much cell reception along the way.

Good luck Dave. I'd say this can go on your bucket list.

Pure insanity and I'm lovin every word of it!:cheers1:
Can barely wait to hear & see more of this!!
You should see if Depends wants to sponsor this adventure as well..:biggrinjester:

May you lock onto a nice Mexican taxi early on, who will hopefully shave eighteen kilometers off this trip in the right direction!:sifone:

GOOD LUCK!

Be Safe Dave! God Speed!:cheers1:

Wow...should be an awesome trip! I've sailed to Cabo and back a couple of times and each trip was memorable.

One suggestion would be to bring a marine SSB transceiver or radio so you can get long range weather forecasts. July and August always have the chance of a hurricane.

Good luck on an adventure of a lifetime!!!

"In this age of laboratory science, I applaud those who set off to discover first hand."
M. Candra

I'm sure the question we're all wondering is 'how the heck are you gonna keep all that beer cold?'

Good luck dude, hope it's a fishy trip for you. Look forward to the pics.

Godspeed Dave. That's a a true adventure.

In terms of a baja network, I would suggest that you post you journey on BajaNomad.com. They have a tight network of old baja hands who can provide a lot of support.

You're a brave and ambitious man...I like that! I've never met you, but I'd like to offer any support I can. My only Pacific side of Baja connect is in Erendira. I can put you in touch with some fisherman that are (3 generations) native to the area if need be. PM me for details, I'd be happy to help. Best of luck and safety to you :cheers1:

we all know IPA sucks when it gets over 50 deg.

Good luck.Interested in how you plan on resting,camping ,showering, sleeping etc.

How many miles you cover per day will depend on 2 factors I am sure,weather and fishing.Dont let yourself run out of fresh water and hopefully you habla espaniol a little....:you_rock:

My advice is to not cut any corners on safety gear.
I'd like to hear what you will be carrying on the kayak.

SAT Phone, EPIRB, offshore life jacket, good laser flashlight, water, salt tablets, potassium, Bullfrog with titanium dioxide, etc.

Good Luck - be safe.

Sounds like a lot of fun. Might want to contact a couple of the San Diego Sportfishing landings for sponsorship. That time of year there will be boats down there virtually every day which could supply you. You would have to figure an angle that is good for them though.

Good luck to you. I don't envy all the surf launches and landings. I assume you have read the book titled "We Survived Yesterday". If not, it is a must read for a trip like this. How long are you planning to take for the trip? I suggest you take a sail kite or something like that as I expect you will have many hours with a 10 plus knot wind behind you. I strongly suggest you get set up with a rudder too if you don't already have one.

Rick

Hi Dave,

My boys and I are southbound July 27 +/- for the East Cape. We will be Northbound August 5-6. I will be in a F350 CC LB 4x4. Just thought I would toss it out there.....PM me for my digits, cell works in Baja

Bahia Ascuncion contact would be Shari @ http://bajabnb.com/php/ They are right out on the point, good people.

Frank

I’m sure you have read the book "We Survived Yesterday: Kayaking from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas"
<O:p
Editorial Reviews<O:p
Product Description<O:p
Detached from civilization in double kayaks, paddling nine hours a day for 34 days straight, this 1200 mile voyage from San Diego, California to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was a true man against nature adventure. The rough water and rocky coastline had been anticipated, but the rats, mice, ants, crabs, coyotes, mosquitoes and wild pigs that either ate our food, stole our gear or tried to sleep in our sleeping bags with us we had not anticipated. We learned that the human mind and spirit can endure, create, and problem solve better than we ever imagined. <O:p<O:p

I also think that there was another two man team that did this last year out of cbad /Oceanside to raise awareness for cancer, but I never followed up on the story. I’m sure if you haven’t already; you could get a hold of these two and get their thoughts...<O:p
<O:p
Too bad you can’t take a board. You are going to pass some world class spots and some super secret places accessible only by 8 hour jaw breaking washboard roads or boat....


Can you list your potential stops/campsites?
<O:p
Good luck<O:p

Thank you all for the advice and the offers of contacts. I contacted Shari
Bondi in Asuncion last week and she's already hooked me up with a couple
of contacts. She's definitely good people. If you fish Asuncion, stay with
them.

I did speak to the guys from Carlsbad about their trip. They only made it
5 days and called it quits after hitting 20ft+ surf out at Todos Santos.
Bob Wilson (the main guy) was very nice and offered some advice.
Still trying to figure out why they went out there. Maybe to set a surfing
XXL record. :)

I am definitely taking my 6'2". Are you kidding me? The surf is going to be
great at so many places, there's no way I could pass it up. I've already
figured out how to transport the board and took it on my 33 mile paddle
last weekend, but the new rudder has put a small kink in that setup. Back
to the drawing board, but definitely coming.

I'll post a photo of my rig once I get everything complete. I've had to make
some major adjustments and took a minimalistic approach.

Rudder has been added. I think it would be impossible without it.

As far as keeping the Stone cold, well, they told me that they would
provide me as much as I wanted for my support crew to bring to me, so
anyone who's up for the challenge, will have plenty of cases of Stone in
their truck. I would just need to know that a few bottles make it to me
every week. :)

Additional supplies
 

Stop off here in the way down...you got balls, you may need a few more of these! Good luck

http://www.vincentchow.net/wp-conten.../25c-brain.jpg;)

Dang! If only I knew where that place was...

How's the bite there? :D

damn and I thought my 20 mile trip was fun.
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...765/6_8_08.jpg


was your 33 mile trip La Jolla to Point Loma and back?

WOW! Sounds like an epic adventure :cheers1::cheers1: Hope it all goes well! Have you thought about paddling back via Sea of Cortes, you could arrange a pickup at Puerto Penasco when all done. That way you get to experience what all of Baja California fishing has to offer.

I bet you find some amazing camp spots on this journey along with many, many days of wide open fishing.

trip
 

Hey Dave,
Would be nice if you get one of those SPOT satellite tracking and communication devices.
I'm usually south boat fishing in summer. I'll be happy to bring some supplies. Stay in touch. I sent a PM too.
Jim

What a dream, God's speed. When you get back, maybe you'll do a public talk/slide show presentation somewhere? (maybe OEX would set you up).

If you do, I'll be there with a thousand questions. I already want to know more.

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

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.

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. :cheers1:

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? :rolleyes:

<O:p</O:p
http://www.abbysunderland.com/images/right-shoecity.jpg

Ok, someone has to ask. Where the hell do you plan to sleep and eat? Baja can be great but sometimes the natives do not welcome strangers with open arms.

Camping on a beach that may be in the middle of some drug trafficker's turf could be interesting. I know of several people who have been robbed and the women raped while on an innocent camping trip in the wilds of Baja. I have heard stories of people being shot for no apparent reason. One of my son's friends was killed and dismembered for being in the wrong place a the wrong time somewhere south of Tijuana.

If you pull into some village for a little R&R, how do you plan to secure your yak and all the gear while you are on the beach? You will have to sleep sometime.

From my prospective it looks like you will be trolling for trouble for most of this trip. Am I missing something?

I wish you the best but fear for the worst.

Bob

I'm guessing the only thing you are missing is experience in Baja. South of Ensenada your worries with cartels drop dramatically. Bad things with locals can happen, but aren't very likely. I would guess his biggest concerns would be dealing with weather conditions and and getting help if need be.

Tattuna, you are correct when you say that I do not have much experience in Baja. Years ago on Cinco de Mayo, I was thrown into the Encinada jail for being Anglo and looking like I could come up with the bail money. I was simply standing in line to get into Husongs and had not even tasted my first beer. That was enough for me.

The experience was brutal and has forever colored my opinion about the value and wisdom of visiting Northern Mexico. I am sure that just as those of us who have gained experience fishing from yaks in the ocean seldom have problems, people who regularly travel in Baja have learned how to stay out of trouble. On the other hand, if I could ask my two friends who died on trips to this region, (one in a car accident, the other murdered), if they would recommend the trip, the answers would probably be to use extreme caution.

Bob

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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....

I'm guessing you're not much of a cowboy...

I choose to live life, not watch it from the sidelines. Anyone
who thinks this was a spur of the moment idea has got it wrong.

I would advise against anyone attempting this without
thorough planning and endurance training.

I've done a lot of research and preparation. There are many
things you can't control, only prepare for. I've done what I can
and I continue to work at increasing my odds of success
by continued preparation and education.

Additionally, you have to know your limits and know when to call
it quits. I've prepared several contingency plans for various scenarios.
If I last two days and decide its not for me, then I'll be disappointed,
but I'll know that at least I gave it a shot.

...but, if I make it the entire way, I'll have had an incredible journey
and memories that can never be taken away from me. Life was not
meant to be lived in an 8x8 cubicle. Think about how you want to
spend your life. This is how I choose to spend mine.

"We choose to do these things not because they are easy, but
because they are hard" - John F. Kennedy

Get busy living or get busy dying....
<O:p
No need for insults, he asked for constructive criticism, not a bunch of bs advice like "don’t do it....you will die"<O:p

<O:p
Personally, I think it’s awesome when people push conventional wisdom and their own boundaries in the name of adventure and personal freedom. So I’m stoked for you.
<O:p
<O:p
You must have a general idea of where you’re going to be camping based on your estimated miles paddled? I know of some great spots between here and geurrero negro to stay, some of which you won’t see a soul and you’ll be plucking lobsters from the rocks at low tide. Pm when you have your itinerary and I will try to help you....
<O:p
<O:p
Why aren’t you doing this in a hobie? You would have the benefit of both leg and paddle?
<O:p
<O:p
Also Id plan two, maybe three itineraries. One based on your target miles to be covered and the other considerably shorter maybe half. There will be a portion of your journey that will be high cliffs and beach access could be difficult and you will want to be high and dry...

Can you list the contents of your first aide kit for suggestions on additions and deletions?

Best