Surf kayak class recommendation

I need recommendations from the hive for a really good kayak class completely focused on surf entry and exits. Specific instructor too.   I'm in Alameda, so Monterey would be my last choice but Santa Cruz, HMB or Bolinas are all very doable.

I grew up in Santa Cruz and spent my summers in the ocean body surfing so I'm completely comfortable in cold water and I think nothing of running into the surf to get in.  I'm also a triathlete, avid open water swimmer and life long lap swimmer. Kayak self rescue does not pose problems for me   So you'd think with that background, kayak surf entry/exit would be easy?  Not so!   I feel like a newbie every time I do a surf launch and my first fishing goal this year is to remedy that BEFORE salmon season begins!

Recommendations?


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Although not your first choice I can say I've had great experiences with Monterey Bay Kayak Co. kayaking instruction in the past.  They used to do it as a group, but now it's 1:1 instruction I believe due to recent times and a bit of $$$. Took the course at least 3 times, and would do it again as a refresher.  They go over the whole launch and landing, timing the sets, bracing into waves, surfing them, and of course re-entry and assisted rescue. 

For decades any time the surf had any size i swam my dive yak through on the end of a 15-18’ leash That was both ways, going and coming. I still think it’s the sanest approach

Soon as I got my 1st SOT getting it through the surf became one of the big excitements. Instead of doing the sensible thing and swimming through the bigger break I took the dare and lucky I didn’t break my neck a few times

That was 1999 that i got the Tarpon and I still haven’t got it down. Sounds like you’ve been in the surf enough to know why

Soon as i get my stealth back on the water I want to surf it. Will have to be in waist or chest high civilized break someplace there aren’t a lot of people. Someplace like Stinson on the right day where there’s a lot of open beach without kids and dogs

The stealth is a fairly good surfer as fishing yaks go but step back and look at what most yaks are and its obvious they aren’t all that surfable. Especially all loaded up with gear

Long-winded way of saying practice wont make perfect but might get you closer to safe

I am not the best at reading sets and landing/launching either. The only way to get better is practice on the water. I am planning on bringing the Hobie to the water without the drive and gear and practicing before salmon season.  Of course taking a class would definitely be beneficial too.

You may want to read my Yelp review on Half Moon Bay Kayak Company  (@ Pillar point).  I paid $300 for a 4 hour 1:1 class with Chris, the HMBK owner.  He went through all the attire, safety gear, Pros & Cons of each type, and brands. Then went over reading charts and 1/2 hour on wave theory and how to read waves & understand how they work for & against kayakers, and how to read charts.

Then we got in for a lesson on surf launching and self-rescue.  Chris coaches and guides you through the whole process.  I feel this was possibly the best $300 spent in the entire Kayaking endeavor.

Look up Half Moon Bay Kayaking on Yelp.

SO glad you, Like me, take safety seriously.  I flipped my kayak a few weeks back.. Very scary.. Glad I knew what to do and did not panic.  (There were many lessons learned from that.... It is NOT a light-weight kayak.)

I took 2 surf zone classes through River and Ocean (closed) one at Half Moon Bay, and the other at Bolinas. After the two classes it would of taken quite a few more days of practice to become proficient. I decided that at my age it was better to just go out from protected launches.

If you decide to take a class install knee straps as they will make a big deference in being able to lock yourself in a stable position. My instructor (Sean Morley) for the second class asked to try my kayak in the surf. Of course I said ok. He took it out and surfed it in on some nice waves. When he came in he exclaimed that I was at a severe disadvantage being up so high compared to a sea kayak.

I’m sure Sou at CCK would be willing to do a 1 on 1, or you could get a few others to attend. He taught my two sea kayaking classes, and was a guest teacher at my Bolinas surf zone class.

Following is my post about my HMB surf zone class:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=83924.msg953468#msg953468

+1 for MBK. I went to a free surf zone class that Adam put on for NCKAers awhile back. It was geared toward fishing kayaks and just getting in and out. No trying to surf. The class was excellent and they covered all the basics as AlsHobieOutback mentioned. After class I practiced for a few hours to hone my new found skills. As an added bonus, you can pick the surf size you want by moving down the beach. In front of MBK is almost always very calm and it gets rougher as you move north.

I am not the best at reading sets and landing/launching either. The only way to get better is practice on the water. I am planning on bringing the Hobie to the water without the drive and gear and practicing before salmon season.  Of course taking a class would definitely be beneficial too.

Id be totally down for joining you on a practice session.  I know we both yard sale'd at Muir this summer and that's still on my mind...well that and Bolinas!

I'll probably take my class in early March when the water temps come up a little brutal cold right now.  I'd be game for a shorter practice session any time tho.

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Great stuff guys, thank you. Keep it coming.

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There are some good YT videos too. The theory of waves and how they interact with different kayak designs is key too.
I’ve taken my kayak several times to the surf just to practice, and I highly recommend it. Though, I’m sure that if I had a really good instructor, I’d be happy to part ways with $300 to get a better edge

101 Surf Sports in San Raphael also offers custom private lessons, although I have not taken one there, the shop is great.
But really, surf landings aren't so complicated. Either your timing is perfect and you paddle right in, or 99% of the time you brace when a wave catches you and you ride it in sideways. Get comfortable with high and low braces on both sides of your boat and you're way ahead of most kayakers. Bracing is simple, but you will need to put in some practice.

You may want to read my Yelp review on Half Moon Bay Kayak Company  (@ Pillar point).  I paid $300 for a 4 hour 1:1 class with Chris, the HMBK owner.  He went through all the attire, safety gear, Pros & Cons of each type, and brands. Then went over reading charts and 1/2 hour on wave theory and how to read waves & understand how they work for & against kayakers, and how to read charts.

Then we got in for a lesson on surf launching and self-rescue.  Chris coaches and guides you through the whole process.  I feel this was possibly the best $300 spent in the entire Kayaking endeavor.

Look up Half Moon Bay Kayaking on Yelp.

SO glad you, Like me, take safety seriously.  I flipped my kayak a few weeks back.. Very scary.. Glad I knew what to do and did not panic.  (There were many lessons learned from that.... It is NOT a light-weight kayak.)

When you took that course, how did you schedule it on a day when the surf was the right size for learning (not too big or small)? I'm thinking conditions vary so much, scheduling must be difficult?

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On that day about 3.5 ft waves.   Enough that I got out a knocked over after I had landed at the beach and was getting out.. it got sideways.   (This is at "Surfers Beach", about 3 PM, as the wind was coming in.   Chris coached me from the side in his yak coming in and going out.

Surf Class scheduled for next month with Chris from HMB Kayak.  Thanks for all the help everyone!

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Thanks for the detailed report, very informative.  I need to do this, so I appreciate it!