When the surf is large using the paddle is the only way to go(unless you have an older outback, those are impossible to paddle). We all know the secret to landing in big surf is to not catch a cresting wave and stay perpendicular to the beach, sure the peddles are faster but you do not have the braking ability to back out of a cresting wave...then comes the steering issues, the rudder is easily over come if you do catch a wave.... then when you get sideways the rudder and peddles make the yak flip as opposed to sliding into the beach sideways. But what do I know...I fish the bay most of the time anyway
