Palos Verdes Rock Garden Race

Saturday October 16, 2004 - 8:30AM launch

Practice days (one day mandatory):

Saturday September 11, 2004 - 9:00AM launch

Saturday September 18, 2004 - 10:15AM launch

Friday October 1, 2004 - 9:30AM launch

Skill level and disclaimer

This will be a challenging and potentially dangerous activity involving paddling in rock gardens on the exposed open coast with the potential of unexpected strong wind and/or big waves with no easy bail out options.

Kayaking is an inherently dangerous sport which includes the risk of serious injury or death, or worse.

Any safety rule or qualification for this activity is intended to protect the other participants from you, not to protect you. You are responsible for your own safety and decision making for all aspects of this activity.

Consistent the long tradition of kayaking, we will watch out for one another and assist one another, but all individuals are responsible for, and manage their own safety. This responsibility includes assessing your gear, skill level, and physical conditioning relative to conditions and location, as well a making decisions about what you will or will not do.

Please do not attempt to participate unless you have determined by past experience that every aspect of this event is well within your capabilities, and that you are willing and able to come to the aid of any other participant who needs your assistance.

Background:

Don had a great idea one day. Let's have a race that is not just about speed. One that rewards skill in navigating our rocky coastline. This is it.

Practice days:

At least on is mandatory. The course will likely not be marked. If you don't come to a practice day, you'll have no clue where to paddle. The September 11 practice will be partial course only due to unfavorable tide level. Make the 9/18 or 10/1 practice if at all possible.

Timing:

Launch times given above are absolute and fixed. Tide won't wait, so if you're not ready we'll leave you behind.

Location:

Meeting place will be the old Marine Land parking lot on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The launch is down the hill on a steep semi-smooth, irregularly sized boulder beach

Directions:

Entrance is from PV Dr South one mile east of Hawthorne blvd. From the freeways, take the 110 south to the end and turn left on Gaffey. Continue on Gaffey south until 25th, then turn right. Stay on 25th. It will turn into Palos Verdes Drive South.

You will pass over the Portuguese Bend Area where the road is gradually slipping into the ocean. It will be the bumpy section with low speed limit. Then you will pass Wayfarers Chappell on the right and Abalone Cove on the left.

Approximately 1.1 miles after the Wayfarers Chappell there is a large commercial sign that says Long Point/Catalina Room on your left - enter. The parking spot is at the far end of the lot on the left. If you reach the light at Hawthorne you have went too far - hang a U-turn and proceed back approximately 1.3 miles, looking for the sign on your right.

Waiver:

Right click and download:

kayak/Future-Trips/RockRace/Rock Race waiver 091004.pdf

Details of course (updated 9/24/04):

Right click and download:

kayak/Future-Trips/RockRace/Rock Race course 092404.pdf

Possible Injuries (incomplete list!)

For paddlers who remain in their boats, the most common rock garden injuries are to hands and elbows. The rocks are sharp and hard. Just reaching out to push off of one can leave you with a bloody hand. Elbow whacks can take many weeks to heal.

Those who exit their boats in a press situation typically end up with bloody knees, shines, and/or feet. If you have any doubt about your ability to stay in the boat, wear neoprene over your legs. For SOT paddlers it is mandatory.

Face injuries are a risk. Several times I have had to use my forearms to keep my face off the rocks. Broken nose, teeth, jaw, etc are possibilities. If you have any doubts, use a whitewater helmet with a face mask.

All of us that paddle rock gardens have scars on our helmets from impacts with rocks.

The virtual worst case scenario is being pitched upside-down on your head, onto a rock by a large wave. Neck injury, including paralysis or death is an obvious possibility.

Mostly have never had anything beyond cuts, scraps, bumps, and bruises on any of our trips, but the possibility is obviously there. Especially if someone participates in an activity that is beyond their skill level. The worst I have had was a broken or badly bruised (doctor said it didn't matter which) rib that I received in a rock garden boat collision. It hurt to laugh for 2 months. Dave (above) required 20 stitches to patch up the damage cause by rocks when his helmet popped off.

Bottom line is that this event will be serious fun with commensurate serious risks. Be sure you have the skills to participate safely and that you are prepared to accept all responsibility for the risks.