Class on surf launching

I would like to take a class on surf launching and landing, would any one have any recommendations on a good place to go. I think this would be a great fathers day gifted for me.

Thanks
Pat R

It might be tricky to find a class that is applicable to SOT kayaks.   Every beach is different and requires different strategies, and every model of SOT handles differently in the surf.   My tandem handles surf very well and I quickly learned how to brace, ect, but my drifter rolls over and plays dead no matter what I do if it gets hit by a moderate sized wave at anything but 90 degrees so the only strategy that works is careful timing, speed and luck.  Mooch likes to land backwards, I prefer to jump out rather than fall out, and some kayaks can actually hang ten with proper bracing (like my tandem).  That makes things hard because there's no 'right way' to go about it. 

We should really have a regular NCKA surf clinic twice a year or so where folks can try different kayaks in the surf and learn how to handle some of our more common launches.  I think a couple hours at bean hollow followed by a couple more at linda mar would be pretty representative of most launches.  I could bring my tandem since it handles extremely well in the surf - it sure helps to learn on a kayak that's at home in the surf.

I guess there was a clinic in March, guess I was out of it because I was moving.  Second best thing would be to go on a trip where a bunch of guys are going and arrange for them to help you learn the surf better after fishing.

Aquan over on the east bay has clinics that  have served several of us well. I do not recommend that anyone go to Bean Hallow and practice especially if they have never surf launched before, an accident waiting to happen. The only other way to learn from this type of environment is with a pro like Allen Bushnell who guided my wife and I the first time out of the Bean. Safety first and foremost Pat and I hope we hookup again soon. Frank

Aaron might have some info on classes at MBK. Thats where I learned to surf launch a couple years ago (albiet in a rather meak surf, but the rules and strategies still apply to large surf).
I should probably knock on wood that I haven't been tossed in my Drifter yet. Well, once at Garrapata beach, but that was on the way out and all my stuff was stored below deck.

PK

Kayak Connection in Santa Cruz harbor also has occasional surf classes. The last one I saw Mark was teaching using a waveski, and the client was on a Kaos (I think). Anyway, they have done SOT surf launch classes in the past.

Thanks guys for the info I will let you all know when I do this.

Frank soon I hope, It seems something always come up when you guy go out in the bay to play or the wind is blowing cant win  .

Pat R

Pat - Aquan will have a class in June - I'll check their calendar to confirm the date and location.

Thanks Mooch 

Pat R

yes sir -  check the link at the bottom of my signature....