What's so hard?

[Mr. NiceGuy]

If we are not used to it, it takes surprisingly little to roll a fishing kayak full of gear.

I think the most valuable practice I've had is going out to knock around in bigger surf in an empty kayak and forcing myself into waves that will roll me.

A good place to practice is at the mouth of San Diego River by Dog Beach. The waves are generally bigger than La Jolla and there is more variety of shape and direction as the tide changes. The wave size is still reasonable for newbie practice.

Paddle out to the middle of the breakers and practice holding a position there in both directions through several sets --- facing the ocean and facing the shore. Then practice waiting parallel and leaning into the waves as they smash into you. Leaning into the wave when you are parallel will release a lot of pressure from water mass that could otherwise roll you.

Letting my kayak catch a wave is fun, but the speed picks up and the chance of losing control increases. At the end of the run when the water starts to dissipate, my kayak seems to automatically rotate sideways into a more vulnerable position. It's better to dig in a paddle and try to break the wave-riding before it develops.

After I started to get a feel for the physics of what's happening, it became a more manageable situation.

I should be doing this with an empty kayak more often, and pushing myself through progressively larger wave sets in different conditions throughout the year.

If I have to jump or fall out, I try to avoid getting between my kayak and shore so my kayak doesn't smash into me with the next wave. If I'm trying to hang onto my kayak from the water I reach for the rope in the stern, not the bow.

I bundle all my rods, gaff and other loose things into one horizontal package on one side so it's easier to jump out the opposite side if necessary. Any fish or other loose supplies are stowed in a closed hatch for the landing.


Noob Kayaking 101