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Surf Kayaking
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The sport, technique, and equipment, used in of surfing ocean waves with kayaks. Surf kayaking carries many similarities to surf board surfing, but with boats designed for use in surf zones, propelled by paddle. A number of kayak designs are used, but all are utilized to use the waves energy to propel ones craft.
Surf Kayaking is popular in many areas frequented by surf board surfers. The Sport has grown in popularity greatly over the last decades, in pace with the rise of sea kayaking, and modern building materials and techniques.
Equipment
Boats
There are a number of specialty Surf Kayak designs available.
Discussion
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Encyclopedia
The sport, technique, and equipment, used in of surfing ocean waves with kayaks. Surf kayaking carries many similarities to surf board surfing, but with boats designed for use in surf zones, propelled by paddle. A number of kayak designs are used, but all are utilized to use the waves energy to propel ones craft.
Surf Kayaking is popular in many areas frequented by surf board surfers. The Sport has grown in popularity greatly over the last decades, in pace with the rise of sea kayaking, and modern building materials and techniques.
Equipment
Boats
There are a number of specialty Surf Kayak designs available. They are often equiped with up to three fins. Specialty surf kayaks typically have flat bottoms, and hard edges, similar to surf boards. The design of a surf kayak promotes the use of an ocean surf wave (moving wave) as opposed to a river or feature wave (moving water). They are typically made from rotomolded plastic, or fiberglass, but are also available in Kevlar, or carbon fiber.
Waveskis, a sit-on-top variety, carry many similarities to Surf Kayaks. Specialty surf kayaks and waveski's share many similarities with surf boards.
Many Kayaks, such as those used in Whitewater kayaking, on rivers or tidal rapids, are used. Many whitewater designs can be fitted with fins, to assit in control on moving surf waves. (See: Ocean surface wave, Whitewater)
Sea kayaks, generally used for day-trip, to expedition kayaking, are used in surf kayaking. Due to their long length, sea kayaks are difficult to maneuver in surf. The techniques and strategies utilized in landing kayaks, even when heavily loaded, safely through large open ocean surf, could be considered a sub-disipline of surf kayaking.
A Surf ski, a long narrow kayak, is generally used to race in open water and should not be confused with Surf Kayaks.
Paddles
Typically double sided kayak paddles. Length is generally proportional to dimensions of boat and paddler, but can range from 160-230 cm. Kayak blades are often 'feathered' (set on an angle in relation to each other), allowing the paddle to pass smoothly through the lip of a wave when paddling into breaking waves. It is not unusual for un-feathered paddles to be used as personal preference.
Occasionally single sided 'canoe' paddles are used. This is perhaps attributed to whitewater canoe influence.
Surf Kayak paddles are generally made from robust materials to last the rigours of the surf zone. Fiberglass, plastic, and carbon fiber are most common.
Surfing Open Ocean Swell
When paddling in following seas in open ocean swell, it is possible to surf ones kayak, thereby increasing one's speed. Ocean swell, having a longer distance between crests than wind waves, allows Sea Kayaks and other longer boats to surf down the front of the wave. This technique, especially when used on extended exedition trips, can add miles to ones day.
Dangers of surf kayaking
As with all water sports, surf kayaking carries inhearent risks. Participants should gain experience in various swell heights, and wear suitable safety equipment. One should wear a helmet, and suitable PFD. The dangers of cold water immersion, leading to Hypothermia should be addressed by wearing a Wetsuit, Drysuit, or other suitable insulation.
Sea kayak touring sees many injuries associated with accidents in the 'Surf Zone'. Techniques used in landing loaded sea kayaks through surf generally involve following behind the crest of a wave to avoide broaching in following seas.
When kayak surfing in areas frequented by traditional surf boarders, follow surf zone ethics (do not drop in or snake waves, and give right of way). If possible consider paddling a break free of surf boarders. Collisions between other surf kayaks boats or surf boarders can cause significant injury.
At least one surf kayaking death has been recorded:
- A 27 year old male died while kayak surfing on Bastendorf Beach, Oregon. He was surfing alone, and was wearing a helmet, PFD, and medium weight insulation. He was known as an experienced paddler.
External links
- Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society http://www.surfkayak.org
- British Canoe Union Surf Website http://www.bcusurf.org.uk
- Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival http://www.asudoit.com/kayak_fest/index.html
- Eastern Surf Kayak Association http://www.eskasurf.com
- NI Surf Kayak http://www.nisurfkayak.com
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