Rocking in Bodega
Dividing the border of Northern Marin and Southern Sonoma counties western flank, the town of Bodega Bay passes time a little slower than its coastal counterparts in San Francisco, 1.75 hours driving time to the south. A lusty bucolic fishing port, buffered from overpopulation and growth by miles and miles of open space and dairy farmlands, Bodega Bay offers a welcome respite from the burden of our daily urban jungle cityscapes. Made famous ( or infamous) by the Hitchcock Classic " the Birds" Bodega Bay has also had it's share of Sailing and Windsurfing History. Russell Long, spent many a day testing and refining his Foil Speed Machines in the flat waters of Doran Beach. Many a windsurf speed contest was conducted the protective lee of the harbor, where the prevailing Northwesterly wind rush with minimal resistance from the tumultuous Pacific ocean down Tomales Bay, bound for points south.
The protective harbor has also provide a training ground for many a north bay windsurfer, cutting teeth in side and eventually moving outside of the relative safety of the harbors lee shore. I was introduced to three such characters, who had gone on to push the envelope a tad farther, last year, by Chris and Annie McNiel- 2 hardcore sailors from Forestville. The 3 Amigos, Will Cramer, Dave Lorenz and Tom Gray, had been making jaunts out to and sailing the break around " The Rock". A square mile of desolate earth, separated from Bodega Head by the constant pounding and churning of the icy Pacific. It's sole inhabitants, consist mainly of feisty gang of seals, sea lions and gulls. Lurking below the surface, a species of fish growing to 18 feet in length, with a big appetite and a poor sense of humor.
I had spent time looking at the charts, hiking Bodega Head and evaluating the potential of the set up of " The Rock" during a previous photo/info gathering mission. When I learned that someone was making the Actually sailing this break, I was stoked...After making contact with Tom, Will and Dave, we discussed the potential and the pratfalls. We agreed to proceed cautiously. Weeks of frustration ensued. The timing of the waves and wind were not kind. Hours upon hours of communication and anticipation netted nothing. Finally a break. A 10-12' swell and NW winds predicted on a weekend...I raced north and met the 3 Amigos' and head to a vantage point from the Bluffs. I knew it was a long shot, but we were committed. The 1st sailor in range was Will. He tempted fate just south of the rock on his way out and was met by a12 foot close-out slammer. I watched in horror and his rig was swept away. I had no communications, and even though the Coast Guard has it's station a mile from Will and his plight, there was no way of connecting. I watched set after set roll over Will and push his equipment away, as he struggled to catch it. Finally in the lee of the island, Will did catch up, and high tailed it back to Doran Beach.
Oblivious to the going's on. Tom and Dave sailed the shoulder of the sets. At times going out a mile or so and picking a sweet green roller and riding it for what seemed eons... Back at the beach, we reflected and joked a little, but we all knew we still had our work cut out...
Weeks followed, and we attempted again an again to get back out. With a boat this time... After several close calls we began to doubt if " The Rock" would ever be captured. Tom at one point indicated glumly, that" May she doesn't want to be exposed"... I was beginning to think he was right...
Finally, as the window of opportunity was closing, we got what we needed. A decent swell and NW winds Scheduled to hold...Calls we made, a helicopter scheduled and we were off... This Time joining the 3 amigos were Anne and Chris, Sebastipol Doctor Jeff Broffman, Kenny Harts and Dean Karnazes... And we scored! The images within were from that eventful day! Enjoy!
Copywrite 1998 Erik Simonson