LIP GRIPPER [ SKI L LS ]
SURVIVE AN “OH SHOOT!” SURF K
ayak anglers who challenge the surf know Neptune occasionally demands his due. During the paddle out or the dicey dance in, he’ll seize his chance to summon a set of unexpectedly towering waves. “Oh shoot!” the intended victim thinks. There’s no time to think, just act. Will you escape or pay the toll in tackle, fish and lost pride? Indecision is the enemy. Here’s what you can do to save your bacon:
LAUNCHING When a big unbroken swell is boring in, quickly assess where it’s going to come crashing down. That’s the impact zone, the place the wave dishes out the maximum punishment. Avoid it. There are two options. Paddling like the Devil’s on your heels is usually the best choice. If you guessed right, you’ll fly safely over the top. If not, your mo- mentum may still carry you through. Don’t stop if you make it. A larger smasher could be on the way.
The second choice is to check your for-
ward progress long enough to let the wave break to your front. Once it does, prepare to go pedal to the metal. If you’re rooted in place like a deer in the headlights there’s a fair chance that big foam pile will pick you up and surf you backwards with potentially ugly results.
LANDING
Good thing you were looking over your shoulder and spotted the massive roller threatening mayhem. Now what? If there’s time to turn around, you can beat a hasty retreat back to deep water. Wait for a lull and try again.
If you’re uncomfortably close to the im- pact zone, either back paddle to let the un- broken swell pass under your keel or race ahead. Get ready—once the wave breaks the foam pile will grab your ‘yak. Try to keep your nose pointed at the beach, but if you’re in a longer boat the wave may spin the kayak
SKIL LS | RIGGING | FOOD | TACTICS | DESTINATION
POTENTIAL PILE-UP. GUN IT! PHOTOS: PAUL LEBOWITZ
SAVE YOUR BACON WHEN WAVES COME CRASHING DOWN BY PAUL LEBOWITZ
BRACE FOR IMPACT!
sideways. Better break out the paddle brace. Depending on the size of the wave, hold the paddle just above your lap with the back of the blade facing the water, or just below your chin with the back of the blade facing the sky. Shove the blade horizontally into the wave face or on top of the foam pile and lean into the wave, letting the paddle sup- port your weight. It’s counter-intuitive but it works and if you fail, you fall harmlessly into the wave. Since you stowed all your gear it’s no big deal. If you go over in the other direc- tion, the kayak may dish out some lumps as it plows over the top.
THE AFTERMATH Now that you’ve survived the crisis, ask yourself a hard question. Were you prepared for Neptune’s trial? If not, strongly consider a surf and safety skills course for paddlers. Leave the fishing gear at home and practice. Even crack a how-to book. There’s bound to be a next time. The sea is eternal.
www.kayakanglermag.com… 21
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