Surf Launch and Landing Courses - Need Recommendations

I am looking to get out on the ocean but safety is always first with me. I am geared up to go, however I need recommendations for where I can get instruction how to launch and land from the shore. Peninsula Area, Granada, Pacifica, Rock Away Beach areas would be ideal, however wherever I can learn the ropes would be awesome. I am a fisherman so that would be the specific instruction considerations I am looking for.  Thanks everyone in advance.

Thanks Again ~ Adam

- I think the best way to do it is to learn from a class if you have the time and money to spend.
- The second best way to do it is do it. Just do it. Go to any of those places without any gears, just launch and land repeatedly. If you have someone that can point out when to wait, when to go 110% speed, when to brace, when to ride over, it will speed up your learning curve.

CCK has some good ones as does Monterey Bay Kayaks:

https://www.calkayak.com/classes/

https://www.montereybaykayaks.com/monterey-classes.html


I took the CCK Sit-On-Top Rescue Class (used to be called the Kayak Fishing Class) a few years ago.  It was very informative and briefly covered surf launches.  They now have a specific Surf Zone Class as well, but I haven't taken it.  I'm sure it's well worth it though.

I've also heard good things about MBK's surf classes as well. 

Kayak Trinidad class has good reviews. I haven’t taken it but several up here have and spoke well of it.

Awesome.  Thanks I will look into all the recommendations.

AA

Adam,

I would recommend taking Sea Kayaking 1&2 and then a surf zone class. Sea Kayaking 1&2 will teach you the basic skills needed for any type of kayak. The classes include the use of a sit inside kayak and all of your protective gear. I see that you have a peddle drive but you will be using a paddle for your launch and return at the ocean.

The surf zone class will teach the skills needed for the surf launch and return.

Most kayak stores offer Sea Kayaking 1&2 for a little over $100. The surf zone classes are a little harder to find. I took my surf zone classes through  River and Ocean.

Good Luck and stay safe

Every aspiring kayaker should approach this sport like you.
You're doing a great job.
There are other things to consider for safety but you're on the right track which you could read on this forum.

I'm proud of you.                           

- I think the best way to do it is to learn from a class if you have the time and money to spend.
- The second best way to do it is do it. Just do it. Go to any of those places without any gears, just launch and land repeatedly. If you have someone that can point out when to wait, when to go 110% speed, when to brace, when to ride over, it will speed up your learning curve.

This.  You will learn quickly as to what you need to do next time once you got dumped.  So practice without anything that can be lost, you'll be glad you did.

Hey Adam,
Another well regarded instruction duo, Jeff and Cate from Liquid Fusion offer several types of classes up here in Mendocino County. They do lots of sit-inside stuff, but are well versed in SOT kayaks, too.

https://liquidfusionkayak.com/

Adam,
I’ve run a few beach launch classes at baker beach.
I take safety seriously, and would be happy to chat. I live in the outer Richmond, lmk

Aloha,
Isao

If you’ve been kayaking for awhile now, just sign up for a class and tell them specifically what you need to learn or improve on. This way, you can skip some unnecessary lessons. When I was in your shoes, I took a one on one class in HMB Kayak Co. I think they charged per hour. I told them I only needed surf launch/landing instructions and self rescue and that’s all we focused on.

One VITAL piece of advice I can give you; When you’re in the surf zone no matter how calm the surf is, paddle like your life depends on it. I’ve seen people take their sweet time coming in.

Hey Adam,
Another well regarded instruction duo, Jeff and Cate from Liquid Fusion offer several types of classes up here in Mendocino County. They do lots of sit-inside stuff, but are well versed in SOT kayaks, too.

https://liquidfusionkayak.com/

I'll second that rec, enthusiastically. I took a surf launch and landing workshop with Cate, and she is a great instructor. I might be biased because they are pals, but I can't imagine better people to learn from.