5/21 midmorning - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

wavster · 05-22-2007, 10:23 PM

coffeebean, I think that was me you spoke to the other day at LJ.

I always back in unless it's really small. I don't want to say it's better, because personally, I think
it's a bit kooky and sort of a crutch.

I went out when I first got my new eXtreme and practiced straight in landings for an hour
and a half. Only made one without rolling. No equipment on board.

I just think, If I'm going to get wet doing a high brace, I might as well not risk pearling and come
in backwards. I've ridden small waves in backwards, but I'm ok with it.

I like to be able to see what's coming and I feel I have absolutely more control (in the eXteme) when I'm
facing out to sea. I'm sure others have different opinions, but I've seen experienced kayakers
flip in 1 foot of water, so what ever makes one feel more comfortable, I guess.

I've taken 3 footers in the head and chest paddling backwards, that I know if I
were going straight in would cost me $$$ in lost or ruined equipment.

As for technique: I keep my eye on the sets coming in. After the last one, I paddle in as far as
I can and make a quick turn to face West (don't get caught turning).
I then paddle backwards, as quickly as I can and keep the kayak pointed straight into
the oncoming waves. When a wave approaches, I stop my momentum and paddle into it.
Depending on the size and relative position of the wave from me, I paddle harder to get over
it or lightly to let it pass me by. I try to ride the back of it in a bit to save on paddling.
Repeat as necessary to get to the beach. Your actual mileage may vary.

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05-22-2007, 10:23 PM	#3
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	coffeebean, I think that was me you spoke to the other day at LJ. I always back in unless it's really small. I don't want to say it's better, because personally, I think it's a bit kooky and sort of a crutch. I went out when I first got my new eXtreme and practiced straight in landings for an hour and a half. Only made one without rolling. No equipment on board. I just think, If I'm going to get wet doing a high brace, I might as well not risk pearling and come in backwards. I've ridden small waves in backwards, but I'm ok with it. I like to be able to see what's coming and I feel I have absolutely more control (in the eXteme) when I'm facing out to sea. I'm sure others have different opinions, but I've seen experienced kayakers flip in 1 foot of water, so what ever makes one feel more comfortable, I guess. I've taken 3 footers in the head and chest paddling backwards, that I know if I were going straight in would cost me $$$ in lost or ruined equipment. As for technique: I keep my eye on the sets coming in. After the last one, I paddle in as far as I can and make a quick turn to face West (don't get caught turning). I then paddle backwards, as quickly as I can and keep the kayak pointed straight into the oncoming waves. When a wave approaches, I stop my momentum and paddle into it. Depending on the size and relative position of the wave from me, I paddle harder to get over it or lightly to let it pass me by. I try to ride the back of it in a bit to save on paddling. Repeat as necessary to get to the beach. Your actual mileage may vary.