Kayak Surfing Manoevres
Introduction
Surfers have been taking to the waves in a variety of craft for centuries. The beginnings of board surfing is commonly known to have started in Hawaii. The beginnings of kayak surfing are shrouded in mystery.
Whilst Indians and Eskimos are typically sited as the forbears of canoeing and kayaking, it was the Polynesians that were first recorded to be surfing their war canoes in Captain Cook’s log.
Kayak Surfing as we now know it started to take shape with the advent of fibre glass canoes in the late 60s and has continued to progress alongside improvements in design and manufacture.
When out in the surf, a surfer will be looking to perform the most radical and functional ride in the most critical section of the wave.
The ride can be broken down into three sections; getting started or the take-off, the finish - end manoeuvre, and the bit in between - the ride. Other important aspects of surfing are the paddle out and the inevitable wipe-outs. Lets now take a look at these in turn.
Near perfect conditions are necessary for the efficient and repeated performance of many of these techniques, but all are possible at some time. All require maximum concentration and exploitation of the wave's power pocket together with sufficient nerve, power and skill from the surfer. Multiple moves are often possible on the right waves, but nothing should detract from the basic skill of just staying on, exploiting and riding the wave as close to the shoulder and for as long as possible.
It goes without saying that the ability to roll 100% with speed and confidence is paramount, together with the physical condition to withstand the punishment of repeated fights out beyond the break of heavy rollers.
Wipe Outs
When everything goes horribly wrong and you lose control of your craft you will wipe out. Depending on the size and nature of the wave this can be very spectacular, even painful, and may well involve lots of unintentional capsizes and cartwheels. If you don't bail out of your boat, you'll find your self being pushed sideways and bounced in towards the beach. This motion is known as the bongo slide, and mastering this skill is the first step towards feeling truly comfortable in the surf.
To practise the bongo slide paddle out to where there are broken waves coming in at regular intervals and turn your craft so that it is sideways-on to the waves. As the water hits you, edge your craft into the wave and apply a low brace. The wave will push you sideways and bounce you towards the beach in the classic bongo slide position. If you lean forwards and apply the low brace in front of your hips the craft will tend to track in the direction in which the stern is pointing. If you lean back and apply the brace behind your hips the craft will track in the direction in which the bow is pointing. So by varying your body position you can control the angle of the craft as it slides ashore. Remember, as with all paddling techniques to practise on both sides. Once you feel confident at handling your craft in the broken water you can go out beyond the break line to the green waves.
Introduction - Wipe Out - Paddle Out - Take Off - The Ride - End Move