Surf kayaking is a great crossover sport for those whitewater kayakers out there. When the summer seems long and dry and there is no nearby running water to paddle, whitewater kayakers will often travel days away just to get their adrenaline fix. If you find yourself in the aforementioned situation why not consider trading one of those trips across state lines for one to the beach for some surf kayaking fun?
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Aspects of Surf Kayaking that will Appeal to Whitewater Kayakers
Most kayakers don’t consider surf kayaking a viable option, probably for no better reason than they haven’t thought of it. But catching waves at the beach, while different from surfing on a river, has its own set of thrills and skills unique to it and a good break will often offer a surf kayaker waves to surf only limited by the paddlers own ability to stay out in the froth. While it is not like paddling down a river, braving the barrage of waves while trying to paddle out past the break can be a battle all its own.
One of the main issues with surfing the perfect wave on a river is that there will be 10 other guys and gals out there with the same idea. This can make for long waits in often violent eddies for what often amounts to just a few seconds on the wave. This whole problem is averted completely when surf kayaking. A good break in the ocean has plenty of room and waves for all the kayakers out there.
Advantages of Surf Kayaking over Traditional Surfing
While it is true that surfers usually “own” any of the notable and good breaks along the coasts of the U.S., paddlers looking to do some surf kayaking have a distinct advantage to those boarders out there.
Surf Kayakers can get to and catch almost any wave. While surfers have to get through the waves, setup just perfectly, be in the right position, and paddle at just the right moment, surf kayakers don’t have to worry about any of that. Our means of transportation and propulsion, namely our kayak and paddle, get us to the waves and in position with ease. If we aren’t in the perfect position, we can still catch most waves even if we are a bit premature or late to the ride.
Give it a Try
Whether you’ve never been in a kayak before or even if you’re already a whitewater veteran, surf kayaking is an activity that surely won’t disappoint.
