Re: [Paddlewise] Kayak surfing question

   I hate to continue beating a dead horse in regard to this issue of high 
and low braces in the surf, but then again, that does seem to be the 
paddlewise way:-) I believe that when one is broaching on a wave the more 
important issue here is that of edge control of your boat. I have manage on 
many an occasion to successfully brace on a wave without a paddle, by simply 
leaning the boat over and extending my bare hands into the wave for support. 
The most important thing is to get the leading edge of your kayak (that would 
be the edge towards the beach) up so water will not pile up on it and capsize 
you. The brace, whether it be high, low or bare handed, is mostly a means to 
maintain balance while on edge.
   I generally teach people to use the low brace on smaller waves and the 
high brace on larger waves in order to keep the paddle parallel to the water 
and maximize the surface area. A high brace on a smaller wave will force the 
paddler to tilt the paddle down to reach the wave. While a low brace on a 
larger wave often encourages the paddler to tilt the paddle up to reach into 
the wave. While either will work, neither of these scenarios are the most 
efficient way to go about the task.

Scott
So.Cal.
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