Surf Launch Technique

Saw this, “Kayak Technique, Launching in the Surf Zone” on Youtube. I think it’s one of the better safer technique launching in the surf.

Thats an oldie and goodie video.  If you notice he is on an OK Prowler and using a paddle. He is also dragging his yak with ease across the beach.

The new Hobie you just purchased (congrats) will not perform that way.  A Hobie loaded with gear is way heavier and will not respond like the Prowler in the surf.

Thats an oldie and goodie video.  If you notice he is on a OK Prowler and using a paddle. He is also dragging his yak with ease across the beach.

The new Hobie you just purchased (congrats) will not perform that way.  A Hobie loaded with gear is way heavier and will not respond like the Prowler in the surf.

Noted.

Will be practicing launching in the surf before heading out with my fishing gear.

unless you're going out on a windchop (which you wouldn't want to be out on anyways), waves comes in "sets" with some moments of calmness in between. Observe. Time. And if you're wrong, tackle it hard with your paddle in the water during a powerstrong like the video says. Never try to chicken out : )

Same as coming in. Observe and Time it. Sometimes after a few hours out, i'll face a shore break landing on my fav beach spot. Pretend you're surfing. Wait for the big set to wane down, try to paddle onto the wave and surf it in rather than wait for the wave to take you. This gives a chance to fine tune your angle and possible even back out. Commitment. When you hit sand, jump off and drag the yak out. There's no staying dry. Good luck!

Watch the sets, wait for your opening, paddle like hell and don’t stop paddling. Attack the waves and commit to it.

Also strap everything down and lay it flat so when you do have an oopsie you won’t lose everything.

Watch the sets, wait for your opening, paddle like hell and don’t stop paddling. Attack the waves and commit to it.

Also strap everything down and lay it flat so when you do have an oopsie you won’t lose everything.

^this!
I believe most guys with hobies pull the drive and strap it to the deck (with a leash on it) and surf launch with a paddle, and the same when landing.

unless you're going out on a windchop (which you wouldn't want to be out on anyways), waves comes in "sets" with some moments of calmness in between. Observe. Time. And if you're wrong, tackle it hard with your paddle in the water during a powerstrong like the video says. Never try to chicken out : )

Same as coming in. Observe and Time it. Sometimes after a few hours out, i'll face a shore break landing on my fav beach spot. Pretend you're surfing. Wait for the big set to wane down, try to paddle onto the wave and surf it in rather than wait for the wave to take you. This gives a chance to fine tune your angle and possible even back out. Commitment. When you hit sand, jump off and drag the yak out. There's no staying dry. Good luck!

Nice avatar btw

unless you're going out on a windchop (which you wouldn't want to be out on anyways), waves comes in "sets" with some moments of calmness in between. Observe. Time. And if you're wrong, tackle it hard with your paddle in the water during a powerstrong like the video says. Never try to chicken out : )

Same as coming in. Observe and Time it. Sometimes after a few hours out, i'll face a shore break landing on my fav beach spot. Pretend you're surfing. Wait for the big set to wane down, try to paddle onto the wave and surf it in rather than wait for the wave to take you. This gives a chance to fine tune your angle and possible even back out. Commitment. When you hit sand, jump off and drag the yak out. There's no staying dry. Good luck!

Nice avatar btw

Poster boy of the sport. 

I did a surf launch yesterday in less than ideal conditions. Timing was everything.  I saw a lull between sets and commited. MD drive was out and rudder up. My Revo 13 was wasnt too responsive to the paddle, I had to make corrections to stay on course.  The return was really hairy with big swells coming in close together.  Again timing was key.  Fortunately everybody came in OK and no wipeouts.
Good thing I had my Shark Shield after what happened in Santa Cruz.

Errrr...uhhh...stringer life?

I did a surf launch yesterday in less than ideal conditions. Timing was everything.  I saw a lull between sets and commited. MD drive was out and rudder up. My Revo 13 was wasnt too responsive to the paddle, I had to make corrections to stay on course.  The return was really hairy with big swells coming in close together.  Again timing was key.  Fortunately everybody came in OK and no wipeouts.
Good thing I had my Shark Shield after what happened in Santa Cruz.

Hardcore Mel!!!

Whatever your technique for surf launch and (especially) landing, be sure to have the camera rolling...

Whatever your technique for surf launch and (especially) landing, be sure to have the camera rolling...

+2 Hell yeah...

unless you're going out on a windchop (which you wouldn't want to be out on anyways), waves comes in "sets" with some moments of calmness in between. Observe. Time. And if you're wrong, tackle it hard with your paddle in the water during a powerstrong like the video says. Never try to chicken out : )

Same as coming in. Observe and Time it. Sometimes after a few hours out, i'll face a shore break landing on my fav beach spot. Pretend you're surfing. Wait for the big set to wane down, try to paddle onto the wave and surf it in rather than wait for the wave to take you. This gives a chance to fine tune your angle and possible even back out. Commitment. When you hit sand, jump off and drag the yak out. There's no staying dry. Good luck!

Nice avatar btw

Poster boy of the sport. 

Since neither of you can read I gave you a nicer Avatar to look at.

Years of surf launches and retrievals on the east coast taught me that it's easier to get out in tough surf than it is to get back... Now that I'm in a Hobie Adventure, with the way the bow is designed, I think it'll be super easy to pull one of these unless I catch the wave just right: