After the Storm

[addicted2sp33d]

Great video... I think I'll try coming in nose-first even if the surf is a little bigger - the last time I tried the "come-in backwards" technique it didn't end so well.

Do you just lean into it?

[GregAndrew]

Originally Posted by addicted2sp33d

Great video... I think I'll try coming in nose-first even if the surf is a little bigger - the last time I tried the "come-in backwards" technique it didn't end so well.

Do you just lean into it?

The first thing i do is to try to get some momentum in and pointed in the direction i want to slide. Then it is all about the lean. The hard part is convincing yourself to commit to the lean cause it is counterintuitive. You may lean with your paddle and upper body at first, but shift your butt or hips the other way to compensate (don't compensate). You will be amazed at how much you can lean on your flattened out paddle blade. On larger waves you can actually start bouncing down the face which can be nerve racking, but do not give up on the lean and you will stay on top. As the wave passes by or peters out you can slowly lean less. On Sun the kayak guides were out practicing in the surf. These guys are out on a daily basis and were loving the experience of practicing in the surf. Everyone should try it at least a few times. It is much more fun than fishing much of the time.

[toby]

Good job Greg, I also found my self leaning hard left in my office chair.


Almost fell out of my chair

Great stuff!!!

[GregAndrew]

Just another little note: You can ride up the sand by leaning into a shore break coming down on you while you are beached . It can beat those times you jump out trying not to get pummeled, only to find that your legs are not working yet. Or worse jump out on the wrong side of your yak and get pummeled by it.