Surfing Kalaloch

This weekend, Jason Goldstein and I were hoping to sneak in a trip to Destruction Island. We had made a quick day-trip to the island in July of 2004, and although we realized it was late in the season, we were eager for an extended visit this time. A week out from our departure date, I started watching the NOAA surf forecasts and at first they were encouraging; 5 feet. However, as the week progressed the surf report continued to build until they reached 11 feet at 14 seconds; massive waves. The coast along this stretch is exposed and it seemed unlikely we’d find a sneaker route out, but there were plenty of options to explore, so regardless of the forecast, we headed out.

We made multiple stops along the way hoping to find a somewhat sheltered cove or headland to launch from, but it didn’t take us long to release that the surf was just to powerful to punch out of on the first day. Perhaps the next day would afford us a chance as the swell was forecast to drop to 9 feet. Still a large swell, but we were anxious and optimistic. Instead, we used the forced respite to explore the mouth of the Hoh River and the old site of Oil City. It’s a short half mile walk from the end of Oil City Road, and on the drive in we could see some of the old homes which make up this intriguing piece of Washington State history. In the early 1900’s investors where lured with the promise of striking it rich with oil and natural gas that, although was there, just wasn’t in quantities sufficient enough to commercially produce.

The coast here is as striking and exposed as it gets, taking the full brunt of Pacific storms. (Later this week the seas are forecast to build to 17 feet) Its beauty is only shadowed by its power. As we climbed over the many log jams on our way to the beach, my eyes were drawn to something swimming in a small pool. We froze when we released it was a small river otter. He must have been far more curious then afraid, as he made a bee line toward us as soon as he spotted us. For the next 20 minutes we delighted in watching him clean his coat as he gave us an occasional bark.

The next morning the surf didn’t look appreciably smaller, and before committing to loading the boats, we decided to surf with empty boats as a test. It was all too apparent that these waves were extremely powerful; a result of the long wavelength measured by the 14 second period. Playing in the inshore break felt like trying to ride an enraged bull. Can’t speak for Jason, but even if I could have made it to the outer break, I sure didn’t want to, especially with a loaded boat. Seemed there were a lot worse things to do then spend a sunny day playing in the surf, and that’s just what we decided to do. However, as a testament to the power of the waves and an offering to Neptune, we did suffer a casualty when Jason snapped his Greenland stick during a capsize. Ouch! He made his roll and came out fine, but i was a bit shaken when I though of the potential hazard of the two ‘meat-spits’ he held. I had the camcorder on him and hope to have a short movie on the gallery page soon. In the meantime I’ve posted a gallery and I’ll also add some of Jason’s photos when I receive them.