How to time the waves/surf?

[taggermike]

Some days with one long period swell running it's easy to time the sets. Other days when there is a mix of swell, like 2' from the north, 3' from the south' and a close interval local wind chop it can be just about impossible. Tide conditions can make a huge difference too. You can paddle out at high tide and things are easy, then for the landing hours later all those sand bars you paddled right over will be breaking. It's always a good idea to watch the break for a while before you paddle out. If there are others heading out can see how they handle it and where they paddle out. See what works. There is also nothing better than some practice and experience. I'm surprised by how few people get in to the surf with thier yaks with out gear and just practice. If you know how your yak handles onder different surf conditions you'll be much better off when you're landing for real with gear. Here's one basic piece of advice; get the hell ot of the surf zone as fast as possible. The longer you spend in the surf the more likely you'll get in to situation you don't want to be in. Oh ya, practice. Mike

[FARRIER]

It just takes time on the water. You can read all the articles in the world but nothing trumps experience. If you drive down with your yak and you dont feel comfortable launching with your gear, take just your yak out and give it a whirl. But to more answer your question, I look out past the very last wave breaking while im waiting to come in. If you watch the water very closely you will see which waves are going to break outside versus middle by the shape of the swell. If the swells are long and flat they will break closer to shore. If they have more of an "A" shape to them the will most likely break outside. When its big I paddle in at a 45 to the beach so I can time the swells coming in. When a big one breaks i paddle right behind where it broke to take advantage of the waves energy pulling me to shore.