Took out the new kayak

[FishAndTattoos]

Took out my Birthday present this morning to try and see what it was like yaking through the breakers. I'd have to say that it is definitly something that takes some getting used to. Ive never even been in a kayak untill yesterday in the bay for an hour. So today i decided to try the surf. I might it out with no problems and that gave me some false confidence that getting back in would be a breeze. But soon i was under the water at the last break going out. But after i while i got it it back up and back into shore. Took it out a few more times with now problem but i didnt go out as far. If anyone has any tips on getting back in or getting back on the yak please let me know.

[igormothra]

Frist off, untill you are more comfortable with it, you really should make sure you have someone standing by who is a strong swimmer and can come help you if there is a problem. I have found that you can steer using your paddle. try and stay perpendicular to the waves, once you are parallel..... wipeout if you are going out anytime this week give me a buzz and I will go with you.

[Coop]

do you have a back rest?,,,if you use it, lose it in the surf,,,saw sam without one and always used one, and decided to try it with out the backrest, made it very easy to get in, for some reason I just give a good push off in knee to waist high water and hop in quick without any problem,,,that backrest seemed to give me problems getting in quick,,,when overhead in water, it also makes it easier to get in also without the back support,,,if you just plan on cruising, then yes, use the backrest.

[FishAndTattoos]

I have a backrest but i didnt use it today in the surf. I had my uncle there with me today but when i wiped out i was pretty far out i dont think he would have gotten out there for like 10-15 minutes. So i would have been pretty bad off. I think next time i go i'd like to have someone there with a yak that way i can learn by watching. Thanks for the tips guys.

[Charkbait]

Until you are confident surfing in you need to time the sets. There is usually a set of 8 good size waves and then a lull, try to hit the lull when coming in. It also really helps to have a good head of steam coming in so it's harder for the wave to turn you once it picks you up.

I had a near epic wipeout on Friday, got dropped out the back of a wave (no wipeout) and got picked up by another one, it stood me up and the nose went straight in to the surf, hit the sand and came out and I surfed it all the way in. Another benefit of not having a backrest is the ability to LEAN BACK!!!!!!

[Steve]

Ditto on the backrest, ditch it in the surf....
It's darned hard to open the clasps after the salt and sand has dried in them too. We've all had wrecks, or told lies....
We all continue to crash.... You don't master mom nature.

[Coop]

I think when yaking out, like Ben said, time the sets and then just charge it,,,sometimes you will get unlucky but if you are charging it (paddle hard and fast), you should be able to get over or thru a large wave with out much of problem, its amazing how easy a yak can cut right thru a large wave,,,just don't hesitate, that will get you into trouble,,,coming back in, no worries if I crash, at least I don't have to contend with tangled lines and hooks.

[igormothra]

I agree with Coop, just charge it, I have been amazed at the size of some of the waves I have been able to get over(cool thing is when you go flying off the back side of a real big one .).....I have found in tough conditions the worst thing is if you are not paying attention and you cross someones line out there you hesitate just long enough to get smashed. So always check where all lines are before you head out, so you have one less thing to worry about.

[FishAndTattoos]

Does any of you guys use a leash for your paddle because i found it pretty hard to swim back with the paddle in one hand?

[rpogge]

Yeah I tie the paddle to the kayak with about a 3 foot piece of rope. I probably woudlent tie it to yourself, just to the yak.

[igormothra]

well obviously the ideal situation would be to make it all the way back in (ok I know "shut up Oliver") but in those situations when I find myself sans kayak and have to swim for it if at all possible I try to put the paddle on the elastic holder on the yak, if that's not possible I just keep the paddle in front of me and scissor kick my way back in... takes longer but alot less strenous.

[igormothra]

on the leash thing..... paddles float, and when you already have a bunch of lines, a leash is just one more thing to get tangled if something happens.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by igormothra

on the leash thing..... paddles float, and when you already have a bunch of lines, a leash is just one more thing to get tangled if something happens.

Yup