Working the kelp beds

So as indicated in previous post, I was thought to go in Capitola and "work the kelp bed".
Many use pretty heavy and long rods as they are in standing position (on a surf board) - I am seated in the Kayak and after few hours of casting it gets really hard if the gear is heavy ...
 Any suggestion as to what to use?

I assume you are looking for RF/Lings etc. I normally float over a bed and work the open holes that are within reach then make a small move to over the next set of holes.  No real need to cast a tom. I have even used heavy bass tackle to lessen the strain on the arms

I have a short rod I use in giant kelp. Drop down like EWB said and/or figure out where the stalk is coming up, then stick your rod tip through the canopy and drop down. Weedless bass jigs work well.
Bull Kelp - HMB & north is a different story. I really don't like to fish Bull Kelp

the heaviest rods I use are shimano trevalas.  I prefer to use bass fishing gear though, my favorite is using a low profile reel like a revo inshore matched to a medium weight bass rod.  You can cast towards the kelp, or drop down into little holes.