Introduction to Kayak Surfing

Kayak Surfing section compiled by Berkeley Choate and Mark Burk

Kayak surfing can be a complete blast! It is a dance with a dynamic partner who is infinitely more powerful than oneself. The ocean is both staggeringly beautiful, relentless, varied and dangerous. To be able to harness the power of a wave and add your own skillful and graceful maneuvers is akin to experiencing the joy and freedom of flight.

Unfortunately many first-time surf kayakers head for the most crowded popular surf breaks without any knowledge or understanding of what the sport involves. This has resulted in a great deal of animosity between board surfers and kayakers. Paddlers who can't control their boats on a wave are a hazard to themselves and everyone else out on the water.

This primer is intended to educate the sea kayaker into the nature of surf kayaking. If you want to go out on the best waves, you need the right equipment (see Surf Kayaks), the right skills (see Instruction), and you need to know about surf etiquette (see Right of Way). Beginners need to practice where they will not bother other surfers. Learning to surf is not appropriate in crowded breaks. Experienced surfers can help mentor beginners by steering them away from crowded breaks and offering to teach them how and where to surf (see Surf Spots).

Surf kayaking can be:
• Dangerous (sometimes extremely so)
• Strenuous
• Frustrating
• A focal point for animosity and abuse from board surfers

It can also be:
• Exhilarating
• Fantastic fun
• Humbling
• Habit forming

You have a responsibility to yourself and to those with whom you share the water, to educate yourself and gain the requisite skills in order to minimize the element of danger and maximize the safety of yourself and others while having fun. PLEASE, PLEASE take the time to learn the Surf Rules and "etiquette" of the Right of Way in the surf zone. Sadly, kayakers have a reputation amongst many surfers as being dangerous, reckless and oblivious to others. We should all do our best to see that stereotype eliminated.

There is an awful lot more in the world of kayak surfing beyond merely aiming your boat at the beach and hollering wheeeeeee! If you take the time to learn and understand the mysteries and intricacies of the surf zone, your experience will be rich and rewarding. Just remember to respect the awesome force of nature and the feelings and safety of your surfing companions - in boats and on boards.

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Text copyright © 2002 by Berkeley Choate and Mark Burk