Surf Zone Class today MBK

My wife and kid are out town so I figured I’d do a surf zone class.  Called up my fishing buddy and asked him if he wants to come along but he passes.  So I contacted MBK on Friday to sign up.
Is the Saturday surf zone class still on?  Yes.  Who else signed up?  Just you.  Is that good or bad?  It’s good, you get personalized instruction, show up at 1:30PM to get your gear together, class starts at 2PM.  Are you bringing your own kayak?  No thanks (I didn't want to bring my Revo, had a feeling whatever boat I would be using would take a beating) so I signed up.  

Driving on Highway 1 just before the Del Monte exit I look to my right at the beach.  Shoot!   Those waves are at least 15 ft. high. This is going to be interesting.

Arrived at MBK and noticed the surf there was very doable. Signed the release form and was told my instructor would be Cody.  Noticed I was given a Mysterioso jacket and helmet while the other customers were getting paddling jackets, plus usual FJ wetsuit and PFD.  I am soon to find out why and thankful for that helmet.  I was going to be in the water a lot.

Cody started by telling how waves are created offshore, the waves we were facing today is he what called "dumping waves".  Almost like a rolling pin of solid water coming at you, not the best conditions but plenty doable because we were in a protected area. Our kayaks were Prowler 13's.

We started with exit and entry techniques, which I performed pretty well and got compliments from Cody.  EXCEPT for one surf exit when I assumed I was out of the surf zone but was not and was broadsided.  Dump #1 and many more before the end of the day.

Next lesson is “bracing” which is basically leaning into a wave while coming in back to shore  sideways.  I get it right a couple of times but get dumped more times.  This is how I got my worst dump for the day and grateful having a helmet on.  After being dumped I surfaced to see my kayak, upright and on top of a wave and ready to fall on top of me.  I realized I was holding my paddle and instictively  pointed it at the kayak and deflected it from crashing on me.   All this happened in less than 2 seconds.  Cody was always next to me helping out and explained the waves today were not the best for a rookie learning to brace.

Next lesson was self rescue, we paddled about 50 yards out and Cody shows me how with a live demo.  Upright kayak by grabbing both handles to turn it right side up, once upright grab both handles, start kicking and pull yourself up.  Cody tells me its my turn, flip your kayak and jump in.  I hesitated for few seconds because I knew I could not feel the bottom.  But I did it anyway. I uprighted my kayak but could not pull myself up. Cody points out my whistle w/c was attached to my PFD was getting caught on the handle, I tucked it away and got aboard, tried it a few more times and I aced it every time.

We went back to bracing and again I need more practice. After the class Cody opened my yaks drain plug, there was about 2.5 gallons of water inside.
A few observations on other customers there that day; most knew their stuff and barely got wet when they got back.  But one couple rented a tandem, they could not get past the surf zone and kept getting dumped because they were barely paddling to get out.  The gal finally had enough and both called it quits after about 5 minutes.
 
Got changed and drove home. Called my wife long distance and wished her a Happy Valentine’s day.

Good stuff. Nothing like practice. My little yak board has made me much more confident with surf launches/landings.

Sounds like you had "fun" with this class.  Thanks for sharing your experience.

Fantastic!
MBK packs a lot of good info into one of those classes.
Congrats on the completion!

I did one of those classes last year and am glad I did also .Gave me more confidence otw .

Great writeup. Loved the last part about the couple...and on Valentines wknd...