Totally Lost it.

[Jimm H]

Don't launch when I do.

Some of the biggest sets roll thru right as I start to paddle forward. I am amazed at how often the "black wall" smacks me on a dark morning, and anyone I launch with is either 10' in front (and DRY) or 20 ' back (and DRY and LAUGHING).

[Aaron&Julie]

Originally Posted by Jimm H

Don't launch when I do.

A classic line that goes for us too. We seem to time it perfect...for the big ones.
Our best advice, once that good sized wave is headed at you is to make sure you:
1) are as perpendicular to the wave as possible.
2) have as much forward momentum as possible.
If it's a dicey wave and you have these two things in your favor you will probably be soaked but not roll. BUT...then you have to recover quickly and make sure you have those two things in your favor should you be hit by another big one, or two, or three. You know you've paid your dues when 3 to 5 waves swamp you in succession and you still make it out with all your gear.
It feels like crap being soaked, especially when the sun ain't even up to warm you, but you are grateful to the ocean gods that you made it out...somewhat intact.
Better luck next time.
__________________

[nmbrinkman]

Being in a FnD doesn't help either. When I get swamped by a large wave to the chest, the Kayak takes a bit of time to drain all the water topside. Sometimes longer than the time it takes for another large wave to hit you again, and sometimes again. Just keep going forward, it's not like you can get any wetter. Although your reels may need a lot of extra TLC...

[hooked]

I can control mother nature, heres how:


I paddle out perfectly dry, I then get a little cocky about being so good at timing the surf, and at this point mother nature will always summon a nice wave to bitch slap that cockiness right out of me and make me remember who's boss all morning.

[trob]

sorry to hear. it happens