Leaving the house early this Sunday morning to co-facilitate a sea-kayak-specific surf course, my 6-year old daughter shouted from the breakfast table "don't get caught under the waves, Daddy". Well, I did, but only once my little Emily. Dave and myself had already spent Saturday night at the Victoria Canoe & Kayak Club with the interested members, going over safety, gear, surf etiquette, wave dynamics, and the all-important question of differences with respect to *sea kayak* surfing vs using river kayaks. Even though only more advanced paddlers were being catered to (had to have a certain predetermined skill-set), a bit of fear was evident when we ran the video of John Lull's excellent primer on surf kayaking. Assurances were given that we wouldn't be subjecting anyone to Tsunami Ranger stunts. Out motto was "challenge-by-choice". Fears assuaged, we all headed home for a good night's rest. Our number had diminished to seven by the time we all arrived up at Jordan River near the entrance to Juan de Fuca. At 8:30 am, a gently spilling two to three foot break on a rising tide was perfect for the mostly first-timers. The whole purpose was to get "non-surfers" out in their sea kayaks, and get them comfortable dealing with the surf zone. Numerous courses are available for full-on surfing where kayak surfing is an end-unto-itself, but we wanted to offer something pragmatic and milder - a kinder, gentler surf course, so that touring kayakers would be more encouraged to take on exposed coasts without fearing surf-landings. We wanted to accommodate people who normally avoid the macho type surf courses and then disadvantage themselves for other venues. Dave did a beach-talk about surf-zone dynamics, about always looking over your shoulder, while I played in the surf-zone as a visual cue. Head protection was mandatory, with the usual assortment of impromptu bike and hockey helmets showing up. We then had the students do 15 minutes of stretching exercises, including legs, back, arms, shoulders, neck, and even wrists. Next, Dave took everyone out for a swim in the surf, instructing them how to dive under waves and body surf back in, how to swim and deal with the along-shore current, etc. Colder and wet (which we termed "warmed-up!), we moved on. Next, the 5 members swam their kayaks out into the surf and then filled the cockpits with water, then each swam their boat back in through the surf under supervision, holding onto their bow-toggle - stern to shoreward to prevent sudden in-filling of the cockpit and the resultant severe jerk to arm. In the near-shore water, the kayaks had to be emptied and safely landed on the pebble beach - body always kept to seaward. Then, one by one, we helped each person to align themselves perpendicular to the waves which were coming in diagonally and growing by the minute. They launched on the last big wave's wash up the beach. Each person was taken individually out to the medium breaks where we tripped them over just as a big wave broke on their respective decks. We held their bow toggle, while each person would have to quickly bail, keep a hold of paddle and boat, and then move to the bow toggle just before the next wave hit, and then swim the boat ashore as before. This was a most useful exercise, and all newbies appreciated the methodology of graduated steps while overcoming their individual fears. Next, we had the group come out (individually again) and then follow instructions demonstrated on the beach just prior. They had to side-surf the "soup" by edging their kayak. It was stressed that they needed to low-brace into or on top of the waves with paddle, tilt their kayak so the hull was presented to shoreward, yet they had to keep their torso vertical, rather than lean with the boat. This avoids a capsize to seaward. By edging the boat, a capsize to shoreward is prevented. Once through that, we moved on the catching rides and reflexive bracing upon imminent broaching. The sun was out all day. A strong wind made for a certain level of coldness. Dave had instructed people to "pack it in" before they got too tired, rather than when they reached the point of exhaustion - the most likely point for an accident. Dave and I were in the water for three or so hours teaching. His drysuit leaked at the ankles a bit and eventually he turned a bit white. My wetsuit was great - except for the damn cold crotch. I got in my kayak and assisted people that way in the end, before *I* got "white". We surfed up a storm once we were able to have some free time, Dave in his new Capella (his Arluk replacement after the Storm Island rescue) and me in my old trusty Nordkapp. Conditions were building to 3 meters. I was able to do a few awesome 18-foot pitch-poll cart-wheels with minimal kayak damage. We both threw in the towel about the point where we were far too exhausted to roll back up anymore - and indeed could not or would not (do as we say, not as we do!). All-in-all, a good little clinic. Yes, it was painstakingly slow and cold for Dave and I putting people through such a methodical approach, enforcing a buddy system, and instructing one-on-one - but there were some very satisfied ladies and gentlemen - Dave and I have a bottle of wine each to prove it. Last surf session a gal was in the water 20 minutes with a dislocated shoulder before being rescued. She required a number of physicians to relocate the shoulder once transported by ambulance to the hospital. It was good to finally be "redeemed" on such a superfine, sunny, Sunday! BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
As a follow up to that story about the woman who severely dislocated her shoulder helping Dave teach his surf class was out kayaking in Nanaimo circumnavigating Newcastle Island. Kirby Stevens Coastal Waters Recreation Victoria, B.C. Website: http://www.coastalwatersrec.com/maps/ -----Original Message----- From: Doug Lloyd [SMTP:dlloyd_at_bc.sympatico.ca] Sent: Monday, November 22, 1999 12:35 AM To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] Under The Waves Leaving the house early this Sunday morning to co-facilitate a sea-kayak-specific surf course, my 6-year old daughter shouted from the breakfast table "don't get caught under the waves, Daddy". Well, I did, but only once my little Emily. Dave and myself had already spent Saturday night at the Victoria Canoe & Kayak Club with the interested members, going over safety, gear, surf etiquette, wave dynamics, and the all-important question of differences with respect to *sea kayak* surfing vs using river kayaks. Even though only more advanced paddlers were being catered to (had to have a certain predetermined skill-set), a bit of fear was evident when we ran the video of John Lull's excellent primer on surf kayaking. Assurances were given that we wouldn't be subjecting anyone to Tsunami Ranger stunts. Out motto was "challenge-by-choice". Fears assuaged, we all headed home for a good night's rest. Our number had diminished to seven by the time we all arrived up at Jordan River near the entrance to Juan de Fuca. At 8:30 am, a gently spilling two to three foot break on a rising tide was perfect for the mostly first-timers. The whole purpose was to get "non-surfers" out in their sea kayaks, and get them comfortable dealing with the surf zone. Numerous courses are available for full-on surfing where kayak surfing is an end-unto-itself, but we wanted to offer something pragmatic and milder - a kinder, gentler surf course, so that touring kayakers would be more encouraged to take on exposed coasts without fearing surf-landings. We wanted to accommodate people who normally avoid the macho type surf courses and then disadvantage themselves for other venues. Dave did a beach-talk about surf-zone dynamics, about always looking over your shoulder, while I played in the surf-zone as a visual cue. Head protection was mandatory, with the usual assortment of impromptu bike and hockey helmets showing up. We then had the students do 15 minutes of stretching exercises, including legs, back, arms, shoulders, neck, and even wrists. Next, Dave took everyone out for a swim in the surf, instructing them how to dive under waves and body surf back in, how to swim and deal with the along-shore current, etc. Colder and wet (which we termed "warmed-up!), we moved on. Next, the 5 members swam their kayaks out into the surf and then filled the cockpits with water, then each swam their boat back in through the surf under supervision, holding onto their bow-toggle - stern to shoreward to prevent sudden in-filling of the cockpit and the resultant severe jerk to arm. In the near-shore water, the kayaks had to be emptied and safely landed on the pebble beach - body always kept to seaward. Then, one by one, we helped each person to align themselves perpendicular to the waves which were coming in diagonally and growing by the minute. They launched on the last big wave's wash up the beach. Each person was taken individually out to the medium breaks where we tripped them over just as a big wave broke on their respective decks. We held their bow toggle, while each person would have to quickly bail, keep a hold of paddle and boat, and then move to the bow toggle just before the next wave hit, and then swim the boat ashore as before. This was a most useful exercise, and all newbies appreciated the methodology of graduated steps while overcoming their individual fears. Next, we had the group come out (individually again) and then follow instructions demonstrated on the beach just prior. They had to side-surf the "soup" by edging their kayak. It was stressed that they needed to low-brace into or on top of the waves with paddle, tilt their kayak so the hull was presented to shoreward, yet they had to keep their torso vertical, rather than lean with the boat. This avoids a capsize to seaward. By edging the boat, a capsize to shoreward is prevented. Once through that, we moved on the catching rides and reflexive bracing upon imminent broaching. The sun was out all day. A strong wind made for a certain level of coldness. Dave had instructed people to "pack it in" before they got too tired, rather than when they reached the point of exhaustion - the most likely point for an accident. Dave and I were in the water for three or so hours teaching. His drysuit leaked at the ankles a bit and eventually he turned a bit white. My wetsuit was great - except for the damn cold crotch. I got in my kayak and assisted people that way in the end, before *I* got "white". We surfed up a storm once we were able to have some free time, Dave in his new Capella (his Arluk replacement after the Storm Island rescue) and me in my old trusty Nordkapp. Conditions were building to 3 meters. I was able to do a few awesome 18-foot pitch-poll cart-wheels with minimal kayak damage. We both threw in the towel about the point where we were far too exhausted to roll back up anymore - and indeed could not or would not (do as we say, not as we do!). All-in-all, a good little clinic. Yes, it was painstakingly slow and cold for Dave and I putting people through such a methodical approach, enforcing a buddy system, and instructing one-on-one - but there were some very satisfied ladies and gentlemen - Dave and I have a bottle of wine each to prove it. Last surf session a gal was in the water 20 minutes with a dislocated shoulder before being rescued. She required a number of physicians to relocate the shoulder once transported by ambulance to the hospital. It was good to finally be "redeemed" on such a superfine, sunny, Sunday! BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Kirby wrote: >As a follow up to that story about the woman who severely dislocated her shoulder helping Dave teach his surf class was out kayaking in Nanaimo circumnavigating Newcastle Island. I'm glad she's back in action. I had hear the gal was unable to paddle for some time. On a different note: Dislocating my shoulder while *solo* paddling is one of my greatest fears for rough water paddling. I have been practicing one arm rescues lately. Not easy. I can't imagine doing it with real pain. BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Try my "pivot" roll. See article in Spring 93 Sea Kayaker. It can be done one handed. Works with unfeathered paddle or with paddle float on end of feathered paddle. Please no need to start the Un or feathered debate again :) A debate point to conceder. I teach new surfers to separate form the kayak if swimming into the beach. Let the kayak proceed them in, its safe for the swimmer. I remember Nigel Foster advocating swimming in with kayak. Must be the crowed beaches of England that dictated this approach. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
-----Original Message----- From: Tomckayak_at_aol.com <Tomckayak_at_aol.com> Date: Monday, November 22, 1999 8:23 PM Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Under The Waves <snip>I teach new surfers to separate form the kayak if >swimming into the beach. Let the kayak proceed them in, its safe for the >swimmer. I remember Nigel Foster advocating swimming in with kayak. Must be >the crowed beaches of England that dictated this approach. ....I'd agree with that assessment. I wouldn't consider parting with the kayak unless the beach is completely empty. Who'd want an easily preventable accident on their conscience? Besides, one can get a fair ride inshore holding onto the kayak, as long as care is taken to hold on so as to prevent shoulder-jerking injury. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>A debate point to conceder. I teach new surfers to separate form the kayak if >swimming into the beach. Let the kayak proceed them in, its safe for the >swimmer. I remember Nigel Foster advocating swimming in with kayak. Must be >the crowed beaches of England that dictated this approach. Depends on beach and people involved. On our surf workshop this past weekend, the beach faced South, the wind was from the West, and the waves and attendant alongshore current were from the Southwest. Letting go of one's kayak meant a rather long chase. The people had brought their well-kept sea kayaks, and we were specifically trying to not have the boats damaged or scratched up too much. As far as what I do, it really depends on the steepness of the waves, their size, and other sea conditions. If I do let go of my kayak in the surf zone, it is usually because I am cussing it something fierce. If a tide rip is present or some other danger factor, I'd never relinquish my vessel. BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In the winter months a group of Seattle area kayaker/surfers hang out at beaches west of Port Angles. A west or Northwest Swell with a flood current gives good surf. We have looked across the water to the North thinking there must be good surf over there even with a south west swell. Would you be willing to share some information on surf spots along the North side of the Straits of Juan de Fuca? Last spring I meet two board surfing bothers from Vancouver. They found it cheaper to drive to the Olympic Peninsula then to take the farriers across to Vancouver Island. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 10:53 AM 11/23/99 EST, Tom wrote: > In the winter months a group of Seattle area kayaker/surfers hang out at >beaches west of Port Angles. A west or Northwest Swell with a flood current >gives good surf. We have looked across the water to the North thinking there >must be good surf over there even with a south west swell. Would you be >willing to share some information on surf spots along the North side of the >Straits of Juan de Fuca? > >Last spring I meet two board surfing bothers from Vancouver. They found it >cheaper to drive to the Olympic Peninsula then to take the farriers across to >Vancouver Island. I love the coast around Cape Flattery. Surf, caves, seals, whales (alive, dying or dead!), wind, whatever you want. Ever paddled in the tide race off Swiftsure Bank against a big swell or wind, just SW of the lighthouse? Don't - you can be dead in minutes. You can hear it from miles away. Tried it once, never will again. To this day, I still can't go back even near there. You will not ever hear me mention it on this list again. Yes we do have good surf just North of Victoria. Jordan River is the most common place. There is a place called French Beach, but the surf is smaller there, and the waves dump -but great for storm paddling. Generally past Jordan River, Sombrio Beach is the other hot spot. Jordan River is too damn busy these days. Years ago, on a busy weekend, half a dozen long board surfers, one or two kayak surfers. This past weekend on our surf course -- our club, vans full of private boys-school kayak surfers, board surfers in hoards, body-board surfers, and mixed within these ranks, wind surfers riding waves and narrowly missing slicing up the rest of us with their skeg-fins. An accident waiting to happen, talk about "saturation point"! Sombrio is awesome, with fewer people, great waves, and pristine beaches since they made it a park and cleared away whole families of squatters in time for the Commonwealth games (a nasty bit of business that was). I would have liked to have gone to Sombrio the other night - good diagonally breaking waves, clear night, full moon. THAT can be an awesome treat and experience if you haven't tried it (gotta know your beach to do this safely). Long Beach is where most of us head for "real" surfing - though not specifically within the parameters you wanted description of. A six hour drive or so is needed. Many mainlander *kayak surfers* get the ferry to Nanaimo on the East coast of the island, and then drive over to the west side. Like the Washington coast, miles of sandy beach gently shelve out to seaward, generating huge waves even from smaller swell. Wave periods tend to be around 9 seconds. On a big winter blow, it breaks a mile out to sea. One such winter a few years ago, I folded my fiberglass WW kayak right in half on a big wave. As the kayak sprang back to relatively straight form again, the broken seat actually pinched the bum of my wetsuit. I could not wet exit (my paddle was gone for rolling). I got a one hand-roll off, got part way back up, went over again and blacked out. I remember coming-to a bit later, washed up on the shore, coughing up seawater (it drained for days). My Chinese buddy (who built the boat) pulled me out. I cussed him fiercely over his poor lay up. He cussed me back for externalizing my screw-up (the kayak-meet had been called off due to the eventual heavy dumping at low tide). We then both laughed out loud at the missing piece of wetsuit material and my white-ass patch. We lost the car brakes on the steep grade back out of the mountains to the East coast (I had to change pads in the pouring rain). The two halves of the kayak were stuffed cone-style into each other (we had finished breaking it in half). We found a dumpster, and bid farewell to the old gal. A number of board surfers die at long beach from time-to-time. Some years are not bad. The last guy they pulled out recently was a rather black-humoured affair a friend told me -- it was done so callously; one guy just said "bummer", then they just left the dead guy on the beach and kept surfing while one individual went to call for assistance. To be out in big waves off Long Beach is to ultimately know the insubstantialness of one's ego and it is to experience inwardly the inchoate abyss that the fathomless sea has always been -- and from which we all crawled out of -- if you believe in that path of evolution; guaranteed though, you will crawl out of the sea at Long Beach, but hopefully with your kayak in one piece! BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd (Who sincerely hopes no one is PaddleDumb and tries some of the stupid things I have done in my past lives - had nine, down to a couple) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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