The Paddler Autumn/Fall issue 2017

having going a number of days without a break.
We took in a surf session at the local surf
school and paddled out to a wreckage of a ship
that lies just under the water’s edge.
With us firmly into January, the winds started
picking up in the afternoons and very soon the
cross winds were blowing shoulder high waves
into my path. It made the going considerably
slower and to complicate matters I donated my
smartphone to the sea. On the water it meant
I had nothing to distract me, but for Shanjali it
was a lot of , “Where ARE you?” moments.
Lasso of justice
I pride myself in being super friendly on the
water, always stopping to have a chat with
the local fishermen. So when I
passed Shiriya
and entered
the
penultimate state of Kerala, I thought it was
some curious fishermen flagging me down. I
slowed down so the two of them could catch
up and as they powered down and drifted
close, I said Hi. I got nothing. Passive faces as
the first guy asked me where I’m from. I
answered him, while at the back I see the guy
at the engine coiling rope. I turn just in time as
he flings a lasso right at me! I’m stunned but I
put the brakes on, and the lasso overshoots. I
back paddle quickly enough and ask what this is
about? The first chap starts telling me how I
should speak to the police and I say that I’m
happy to. He starts bringing his boat around,
coiling the rope again.
ThePADDLER 69