Patience

[WildernessWanker]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

Some good advice here. I would add that what works for one person may not work for another (especially with a different kayak). Also, after learning how to remount your yak, you should go out bare bones and play in the surf. You will be amazed at what you can get over and through. For larger surf, a lack of speed coming in can be much harder to deal with. You are better off to be running out in front of the wave than to get sucked back up to the peak (just like surfers). And, the best landing advice ever, never get caught leaning toward the beach.

It's amazing what kayaks are capable of when you push them. I took mine out in 4-6' surf to practice unloaded and was actually doing pretty well at getting through all the waves, with only getting wet as my outcome. Then show up at a beach to waves 3' and question launching my kayak with all my gear because I'm afraid of rolling. You want to find the fine line between over-estimating one's abilities and under-estimating the kayak's abilities. That's just my $0.02.

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[GregAndrew]

Originally Posted by WildernessWanker

It's amazing what kayaks are capable of when you push them. I took mine out in 4-6' surf to practice unloaded and was actually doing pretty well at getting through all the waves, with only getting wet as my outcome. Then show up at a beach to waves 3' and question launching my kayak with all my gear because I'm afraid of rolling. You want to find the fine line between over-estimating one's abilities and under-estimating the kayak's abilities. That's just my $0.02.

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There is definitely a difference between bare and loaded, just like between dry and just after taking on a lapful of water. You will require an extra stroke or two to get up to speed when loaded. But you will also have more inertia on your side for penetration. I agree that the risk factor does go up with lots more money on the line.

Another point that should be clarified is that "straight out" does not mean perpendicular to the shore, but to the swell direction. The most effective way to get through a wave or whitewater is by making your profile as small as possible. You accomplish this by hitting it square on. With multiple swell directions, sometimes you may have to steer back and forth between a couple or a few directions to keep your small profile. With short intervals it can be very tricky, or you may have to just pic the best (hopefully) happy medium.

[Irishman]

Nicely done!! I've only launched from la jolla once but have surfed there for many years. I would have walked as far south on the beach as possible and headed out from there. It sees less wave action the further south as the point and kelp close to the caves etc mellow out the surf. Still kudos on be persistent!!!