La Jolla Sunday

[Deamon]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

Here is a stab at kayak landing in the surf.
1)As you approach the surf zone watch where the largest wave break.
That will set the starting point of your attack.
2) Watch how the sets work. A good rule of thumb is to watch the beach for the time when the water rolls as far up as it will. That will usually be within a wave or two of the end of the set. Although multiple swells can really mix things up.
3)Watch what is happening behind you more than you watch in front. Pick a spot to land that is clear so you can focus on what is important.
4) Back paddling is an important aspect of good landing technique. You can punch through backwards just like forward (for those instances where a wave is going to catch you).
5)If a wave, that you cannot back paddle through, is going to catch you then paddle forward at a slight angle to the wave. One of two things will happen (or both): You will start to ride the wave, and/or it will turn you sideways. If you start to ride the wave, then by all means, let out a YEEHAW! If you turn sideways, then lean into the wave bracing yourself with your paddle extended deep into the wave. (when loaded down, I prefer to come in sideways when a wave catches me from behind).
The 2 crucial elements when a breaking wave is going to catch you are that you need forward momentum when it catches you, and you must commit to the lean fully. With no momentum, the wave will draw you to the peak and dump you down, or just break right on top of you. Without a definite lean, you will tip over towards the beach.

This is my experience, although I have only used an OK Trident 15 paddle kayak for my learning curve.

I'm taking notes from the master. A man who fears no wave and sometimes turns back around to try it again...word. Me? I dump it OFTEN. Once you've got your first under your belt and you find out the beachgoers aren't going to point and laugh at you...it's not the end of the world. Tie everything down before you come in and if your do dump it, flip the yak back over before the next wave hits you...no biggie really.

As I approach shore, I respectfully feel like the brave men in the 9-11 plane that attempted to take back control from the hijackers..."Lets roll". Jim