Learn the Techniques of Launching Your Sea Kayak in Heavy Surf

Okay, so you're relatively new to the sport of sea kayaking, and you've always gone out on nice days when the water was calm and the surf was down. Then one day you show up at the beach to find five-foot breakers crashing against the surf, and you don't have a clue as to how you're gonna get that boat of yours in the water without swamping it and yourself in the process.

Don't worry, there are a few techniques that can aid in this challenging but certainly doable situation.

First, see if you can find a high vantage point where you can survey a long stretch of the beach. If not, try hiking a ways in both directions. What you're looking for is a "channel," or an area of the beach where the surf is less powerful. Because wave size is largely determined by the shallowness or depth of the ocean bottom, areas where the bottom is deeper will mean less wave action.

Now there's no guarantee that you'll find such a channel, and certainly don't be afraid to turn around and go home if you're not comfortable launching in those conditions -- especially if you're not paddling with a more experienced group. Live to fight (or paddle) another day, as the old saying goes.

If you do decide to go ahead and attempt a launch, just remember that maintaining stability in surf depends upon presentation and maintaining strong forward motion. The idea is to avoid the wave at its break (we know, easier said than done). If you can, punch through the wave and get over the hump before it breaks. The trough and the crest of the swell aren't the issue here, it's getting caught on the face of the wave that's the problem.

If you do find yourself on the face of the wave, use one of your power strokes to draw yourself over the crest before it breaks. Practice on smaller waves on calmer days when you can, to see if you can get your timing down before you attempt a takeoff in rougher water. And if you're with a more experienced paddler, ask questions, observe, and mimic the techniques that he or she is using to get their boat over that difficult stretch of surf.

Need a New Touring Kayak?

Is that trusty old touring kayak getting a little long in the tooth? Are you finding it harder and harder to keep up with your paddling companions? Are you finding that your current boat just doesn't have the storage capacity for those long, multi-day excursions? Or are you in the market for your first sea or touring kayak?

If so, you might consider purchasing your next boat from one of the online merchants. Retail paddling shops are great if you can find one, but most only carry one or two brands, and expect to pay the full retail price. Online merchants, on the other hand, often carry several brands and dozens of touring and recreational kayaks, and usually at very competitive prices. They have secure ordering systems, good warranty and return policies, and will ship virtually anywhere in the world. And you won't have to spend a weekend driving all over town in search of that perfect new boat.

If you've got a moment, check out one of our recommended merchants. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

Touring kayaks from Backcountry.com
Shop Backcountry.com for a great selection of name brand touring kayaks, including Perception and Dagger.

Tips & Tricks

Testing new equipment.

Always test new equipment before going out on the water. A seat cushion may come loose and get jammed forward when you reenter the cockpit. That new bilge pump you just bought may be defective. Or the batteries that came with your new VHF radio may only work for 20 minutes. The same rule applies to gear that's been in storage for a long period of time. Always test, and you won't be surprised at a critical moment on the water.