RUDE awakening, Revo Launching 101 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Regor · 03-18-2011, 03:24 PM

It's my off-Friday, theres a storm coming, I'M going fishing today! Late start, why not, been working hard putting in a lot of hours, I deserve a break. Got to LJ appx 7:30am.

Unloaded yak and loaded gear to the sound of the waves. Yes, it was higher than I was expecting from looking online, but I'm going fishing! Not used to hearing the thunderous sound of the waves crashing, but it's all good.

I spent a LOT of time watching the sets, timing it, timing it ,,, GO! I'm paddling away, getting a little wet, but doing good, almost there .... WHAM.... sideways!

What happened, and this really relates to those with rudders (I'm on a Revo).

I'm thru most of the incoming waves via paddle, I get my feet into the Mirage drive stirrups, undo the strap holding the Mirage drive, start peddling, using my paddle to assist and direct the yak, last wave, here it comes, and WTF. My rudder deploys and I make an immediate right turn Clyde with the last wave bearing down on me. Too late, over I go.

Results - No gear lost due to tying it all down, however, 1 mirage drive fin bent. Yeah, that'll put a damper in your day.

As I'm hanging around, 1 yak comes along and is determined to get out, and he's successful paddling away. Also driving up to the launch are 3 more pick-em-up trucks.... sitting there, watching the surf..... U-turn ... not today !

Along comes Eric (467Echo), and he's going out, and I pick his brain a little (nice to meet you Eric, hope you were successful).

Here's where the "Revo launching 101" comes along, and I learned a couple things that should make my future launching more successful, (and hopefully yours).

1) Leave the bungee strap connected to the mirage drive as you're in the surf
2) As you wade out into the surf, get deep enough to deploy your rudder, and lock it in the down position, and center
3) Pick your time to launch,,, paddle paddle paddle
4) With your feet in the mirage stirrups, you can peddle as soon as you are deep enough.
5) Once you are past the break, NOW release the bungee strap holding the mirage drive in the up position

My errors due to inexperience were - I always disconnected the bungee cord for the mirage drive when I was ready to peddle, I never assumed that I could leave it connected and still peddle. (this cost me a new fin after rolling the yak).

2nd error - I only deployed and locked the rudder in the down position when I felt it was safe and I was beyond the surf. In this case, the rudder deployed itself prematurely, costing me

They can't teach you everything in a book, and I just got some OTW OJT.

Hopefully this will help someone else out there.

Greg

03-18-2011, 03:24 PM	#1
Regor Greg Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chula Vista, ca Posts: 509	RUDE awakening, Revo Launching 101 It's my off-Friday, theres a storm coming, I'M going fishing today! Late start, why not, been working hard putting in a lot of hours, I deserve a break. Got to LJ appx 7:30am. Unloaded yak and loaded gear to the sound of the waves. Yes, it was higher than I was expecting from looking online, but I'm going fishing! Not used to hearing the thunderous sound of the waves crashing, but it's all good. I spent a LOT of time watching the sets, timing it, timing it ,,, GO! I'm paddling away, getting a little wet, but doing good, almost there .... WHAM.... sideways! What happened, and this really relates to those with rudders (I'm on a Revo). I'm thru most of the incoming waves via paddle, I get my feet into the Mirage drive stirrups, undo the strap holding the Mirage drive, start peddling, using my paddle to assist and direct the yak, last wave, here it comes, and WTF. My rudder deploys and I make an immediate right turn Clyde with the last wave bearing down on me. Too late, over I go. Results - No gear lost due to tying it all down, however, 1 mirage drive fin bent. Yeah, that'll put a damper in your day. As I'm hanging around, 1 yak comes along and is determined to get out, and he's successful paddling away. Also driving up to the launch are 3 more pick-em-up trucks.... sitting there, watching the surf..... U-turn ... not today ! Along comes Eric (467Echo), and he's going out, and I pick his brain a little (nice to meet you Eric, hope you were successful). Here's where the "Revo launching 101" comes along, and I learned a couple things that should make my future launching more successful, (and hopefully yours). 1) Leave the bungee strap connected to the mirage drive as you're in the surf 2) As you wade out into the surf, get deep enough to deploy your rudder, and lock it in the down position, and center 3) Pick your time to launch,,, paddle paddle paddle 4) With your feet in the mirage stirrups, you can peddle as soon as you are deep enough. 5) Once you are past the break, NOW release the bungee strap holding the mirage drive in the up position My errors due to inexperience were - I always disconnected the bungee cord for the mirage drive when I was ready to peddle, I never assumed that I could leave it connected and still peddle. (this cost me a new fin after rolling the yak). 2nd error - I only deployed and locked the rudder in the down position when I felt it was safe and I was beyond the surf. In this case, the rudder deployed itself prematurely, costing me They can't teach you everything in a book, and I just got some OTW OJT. Hopefully this will help someone else out there. Greg