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Helmet,
kneestraps, leash & seatback use for whitewater,
surfing,
rock gardens & seacaves
Helmets
are just plain common sense. No matter how great a paddler
you are, don't go surfing or playing around rough shore lines
without protective headgear. Helmets are available at most
kayak shops. Make sure it fits properly and is comfortable
or you will avoid wearing it when you need it the most.
Saftey
in Surf is very important.
#1 Wear a helmet and Life Vest!!! Every time!
#2 Uses knee straps
#3 Use a paddle leash
The
helmet will protect you from you own eqipment in most cases.
The life vest will also protect your ribs as well as float
you.
- *When
riding the surf you are going to wipe out and capsize
regularly. When you do, follow these steps:
Hold on tightly with your legs to the knee straps.
*Tuck your head and body to your legs, kind of like a
crash position.
*Keep both hands on the paddle shaft and aline the shaft
along the left side of your kayak with one blade to the
bow and the other to the stern.
Now
you are ready to tumble in the surf. You have protected your
face and belly, and you are now in a pre eskimo roll position.
Even if you do not know how to roll, the wave may roll you
up right while in this posture, and a quick brace will put
you back on top.
If
this fails, from a violent wave or you run out of air, keep
holding on to the paddle leash to maintain control of your
kayak. If the wave pulls realy hard, hold with one or both
hands near one blade of the paddle to streamline your self.
TIPS:
Attach the paddle leash to the bow handle of the kayak. A
good back rest can act like a knee strap for your butt to
further hold you in place. It really helps to scout out your
surf zone carefully to find rip currents, rocks, reefs and
sand bars. I have surfed alot solo, but a buddy sure is nice
to have.
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FORUM
GEMS:
"Helmet? I Don't Need
No Stinking Helmet!"
As told by Greg C. of Ocean City Maryland
From
a good parlly on the Forum about Surfing Alone. This story was related
by an unregistered visitor and we can't resist drawing attention
to his entertaining yet educating narrative:
"I
really enjoy STP kayaking on my tandem Malibu with my wife. When
down in Ocean City, MD we often will take it out on the bay and
enjoy a cople hours of fun paddling.
Then
I had this grand idea: Why not take the kayak out into the ocean?
Solo of course! After all, I am a strong swimmer, experienced bodyboarding
and body surfer, and have surfed occasionally, how hard can it be?
Thigh
straps? Who needs them!...certainly not me!
Helmet?
For sissies!
At
least I conceeded to the life vest.
After
being shooed away by the lifeguard (no boat launching from the shore)
I waited until he was gone, and the beach nearly empty, before beginning
my adventure.
Man,
I had a great time blasting through the surf beyond the 4 to 5 ft
waves, it was exhilirating! Then I rode up and down the coast for
about a half hour enjoying the waves.
At
Tom's TopKayaker Shop:
Knee Straps
Contoured
ergonomic design, padded knee straps, with quick release
side-squeeze buckles for safety and ladder-loc for easy
adjustment. Suitable for all rough water and flat water
activities.
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Then
came my decision to surf some of these waves in. All I can really
say is, it started---but did not end well. I suppose sitting in
the middle seat of a Malibu, with no seat rest or thigh straps,
isn't going to give you a high level of control...and it didn't.
After
enjoying about 2.1 seconds of the ride, the wave flipped the kayak
over and deposited it heavily on my unguarded head. Ouch!
So,
you figured I learned my lesson. Nope.
I had
to repeat this process two more times until I was beaten nearly
senseless. I am still a little woozy.
I,
of course, referrred to the section in Tom's
book regarding this subject upon my return home. Hey, why read
it before I went?
So
word to the wise: As in any endeavor, learn as much as you can before
undertaking the task, and build up to what you want to accomplish.
I myself
will be better prepared next summer. :-)
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