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

Scott said: 
> The problem with coming into the beach in 
> a broach is that you are pretty much at the mercy of the 
> wave. You can't stop, and you really have very little control 
> of your boat. If a rock or a person or another kayak is in 
> your way then your going to hit it, and there is not a whole 
> lot you can do about it. 

That's what I used to think before a professional instructor showed me how
to maintain control of the boat so that I could move it towards the bow or
stern which moves you either left or right in relation to the beach.

If you can stay right behind a wave, that is obviously the best way.
However, waves travel a lot faster than you can paddle. You aren't surfing
it if you are behind it, and frequently waves travel in pairs. There is a
good possibility you are going to find yourself on the face of a wave at
some point, and that is when you will either broach intentionally, or the
wave will do it for you. I just prefer to do it on my timing, rather than
the wave's.

Steve
Southern CA.
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