RE: [Paddlewise] Surf advice - was ' How was 2004?'

From: Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 2004 10:06:55 -0800
Josh said: 
> Peter, it depend on the type of beach  you are surfing into. 
> First, one should think twice about surfing a sea kayak in 
> surf that high.  That is about the limit.  

1 Meter surf is not really all that big. When you are sitting on the sand
waiting to launch, that's a wve that is about the same eight as your head.
We do that routinely in touring boats.

Two meter waves start to become a challenge, but more so launching than
landing. The technique that I use is to surf the waves as far as possible,
and then before the wave broaches my boat, I intentionally broach it to my
stronger side. This puts me in command and not the wave.

I also try to use a low brace as much as possible and save the high brace
for the really big and rough ones. All you have to do is edge the boat as
far as you can, spear you blade into the wave and increase your lean. As you
feel the wave letting you go, straighten up and when you can, straighten the
boat and keep paddling in. As you know, the low brace is much gentler to
your shoulders and makes you less prone to shoulder injuries.
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Received on Mon Dec 13 2004 - 10:07:04 PST

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