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08-21-2012, 09:46 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Palos Verde, CA
Posts: 636
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WTB my first yak
So, I have had a few bad experiences with kayaking. Mainly through surf launches. SO my question is, what kayak would be best for me to get if I want to launch from the beach? Or is it that no matter what I get I will roll until I get enough experience with surf launches? If that's the case, I don't think my shoulders can take the punishment anymore.
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08-21-2012, 10:07 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co.
Posts: 943
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Until you get adept at handling the kayak you will be at the mercy of the surf. To reduce those unwanted swimming sessions you pick your days, then spend more than 5 minutes watching the surf to gauge the sets. Get a feeling of when the sets peak and time your launch during a lull. Screw around too much, and you'll find yourself in the peak of the surf half way through your launch...
Of course a faster kayak will get you through the danger zone that much quicker, but at the expense of stability - fast boats are skinny and tippy. |
08-21-2012, 10:13 AM | #3 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: newbury park ca
Posts: 2,323
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Quote:
I have learned that if a landing is looking sketchy, stow everything, take the reels off the rods, take off electronics and put them in a dry bag and stow them, that way if something happens at least your equipment is safe... There are yaks that do better than others as far as performance in the surf, but I think ultimately it is going to boil down to experience and knowing your limits, common sense and timing...
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08-21-2012, 10:51 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 309
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Stay away from high surf days. Familiarity with your kayak will help with launching and landing. Experience.
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08-21-2012, 06:42 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Long Beach
Posts: 389
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Buy a hobie
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08-21-2012, 07:27 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Point Loma
Posts: 584
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I am certainly no expert, but here's my $0.02...A medium length paddle yak like the OK prowler 13 is going to be the most user friendly yak in the surf. Going out is usually not as big of an issue. Like was said before, watch the waves and figure out when there are lulls. Time it right and paddle 'til you clear the breakers.
On the way in, you really don't want to surf the waves. It's best to paddle in on the back of a wave or between waves. You can throw your legs over the sides to act as brakes and to help steer. If you do catch a wave, your yak will likely turn sideways. This is ok, relax, lean into the whitewash and just let it take you skipping sideways all the way to the shore. You can also use one leg over the side to help steer and brake. Whatever you do don't try to steer with your paddle, it will make you roll. Just go practice. Take a day, spend an hour or two going in and out of the surf. Try different techniques and spend some time gaining confidence. When you are out past the breakers, lean over and see how far you can lean before you roll. Spending a lot of time in the surf will also help you to learn how much your yak leaks. Then when you are more comfortable, take all your gear and go fish. Just remember, always leash it and stow it. Good luck. |
08-21-2012, 08:26 PM | #7 |
Surf Launch Roll Tester
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Vista, Cal
Posts: 44
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HOBIE
You'll never regret getting one. If you go a different route you'll probably wish you'd have gotten a Hobie. And then eventually get one
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08-22-2012, 11:07 AM | #8 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 2,385
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Quote:
I prefer the Trident 15 and that's why I am buying one myself. Watch this video by Jim Sammons on landing a Kayak and it will help you out a lot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPL1vPW25kg
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No better time than being on the water, God Bless, JimmyZ |
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