R2R Pt 1: How Did I Get Here?
Just barely a week separated the Ben Did Go 2nd Qualifier and the Rock 2 Rock event. 10 days to be exact.
Back in May, everyone in the Prone 2 Paddle Crew was talking about the upcoming Rock 2 Rock event in July. It is the first and shortest of the channel crossings. Coming in at 22 miles, paddlers launch from Two Harbors on Catalina Island, making their way across the channel to Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, Ca.
The Rock 2 Rock Course
Two Harbors, Catalina to San Pedro, California
Earlier in the year, when I was talking to Gat on a training paddle, he had mentioned doing the Rock 2 Rock event with a young beast, Evan Pommerenk. They were going to cross together in the relay division of the event. At that time, I had not dared to think about crossing the channel so soon, let alone doing it a second time. The Ben Did Go was the only event I was thinking of training for.
Then the group texts trickled in. The registration was open, and who was signing up? All the gossip and logistics of planning this event had started. I jumped on Paddle Guru, finding the event page, and the entry fee hit me in the face. Asking the question, how could I not take this leap? $165 and some change. How could I not?
I signed up impulsively. Messaged the group and said I was in for the paddle. I had absolutely no idea, though, how I would find a support boat. I’m already reeling mentally about how expensive hiring a boat for an overnight trip out to Catalina would be.
There is always the Catalina Express flyer, but I would need to plan out the logistics of where to stay or how to camp on the island if I couldn’t find a boat. A support boat on the paddle home is a must to even take part in the event. I drive myself mad with the catastrophe five seconds after signing up.
I break myself away from the obsession and get back to my work.
I try, at all costs, over the coming weeks and months, not to think about the event. This challenge ahead of me, what did I get myself into? I already told people, I couldn’t back out now. I can not get a reputation for not following through. I am terrified. Time passes slowly but quickly. On a day I cannot remember, I recall a conversation in the group text thread about what everyone wanted to put on their boards to motivate them. Who they want to beat, who they’re doing this for, anything to keep them going in this crazy endeavor.
I can only think of one thing to put on the board.
Philippians 4:13
All things are possible through HIM who strengthens me.
Now, about 2 months later, here I sit before an expensive home in Newport Beach. A place, a single waterway’s distance from the Newport Aquatic Center. I find the home I’m looking for, an open gate with a view of the back bay invites me in.
I pass by a kitchen window. Decorations suggest an older person lives here, and my thoughts are confirmed when a white-haired, thin woman looks back at me through the window. I smile and wave, keep on walking toward the water.
A large 50- or so-foot boat is tied to the dock. SB Mike and his wife are there, the twins, Keri and Alice, not far behind. They all come walking out of the cabin. Chattering and talking with excitement about the upcoming event. I say hello. Waving at everyone.
Some of the Prone2Paddle Crew members are loading their boards into our escort boat.
I let them know I’m going back to the car to get my things before disappearing back up the walkway. I tug on the straps to loosen the knots that hold my board to the van's roof. I’m nervous, but I try to keep a calm mind. Nothing like dropping your board just feet from the water, and just days away from the event.
Our little group packs the boat. Board racks along the rails need padding, and the boards need to be tied down. Food has to be stored, and belongings need to be put on our bunks.
Steve, Keri’s husband, comes aboard the ship. The only one of the Pommerenk family I have yet to meet. We shake hands and say a quick hello. Steve will be the “boat bitch” for this event. He’ll make sure everyone gets their liquids and food refilled when needed, watch over us, and he'll guide us once we are in the middle of the channel. Steve is a quiet man, from my experience, but quick to smile, a loving and caring father and husband.
SB Mike has begun padding the boards and fixing them into the racks. Pool noodles are cut to length; protecting the boards on the trip over is essential. I love moments of work; they often lead to ideas and inspiration. An image of the Astro van flashed before my eyes, green pool noodles stretching the width of the roof racks. This makes it easier for me to carry two boards.
Tomorrow we have a 7 am launch, so any extra packing should be done now; there won’t be time in the morning. The last little things are done. We all make our way to our cars, scattering in our different directions home. There is still more packing to do before a restless night of sleep. Morning will be here quickly.
