PADDLER 32
KEIRAN HAMMOND
SIMON HAMMOND
PADDLER 32
If you let your kayak turn too much before initiating your ruddering, the best you can do is to hold a diagonal angle with your most forceful beachward rudder. Don’ t see this‘ stuck rudder’ as a failure, as it’ s the basis of surfing across a wave face and the foundation skill of all surf kayaking.
WHEN THE WAVE WINS
However, the wave will always win, and at some point, you will end up at an angle across the wave that is too much for any rudder to correct. With a little experience, you will start to feel when this moment is being approached.
The trick is to accept that the wave has won and to change your plan. Get your rudder out of the water and keep your craft as flat as possible, adopt a strong, forward-leaning body position and add a low brace on your seaward side.
Don’ t just collapse into the wave; instead, keep the hull of your kayak as flat as possible, allowing it to skim towards the shore, whilst you keep your upper body upright and in balance. The seaward brace should be virtually non-existent or at most very soft; it’ s there for psychological reasons much more than for physical support.
Enjoy the final stage of your ride as you skim smoothly, with firm body tension towards the shore.
So that’ s all there is to it. You won’ t get it all correct on your first wave, so be patient and enjoy the process. Choose a location with plenty of space and, ideally, a nice, slow-breaking wave. Start with small, weak waves and progress gently. Enjoy being part of the surfing community and have a great time.
KEIRAN HAMMOND
Keiran Hammond runs a Creative Agency called Rakker, based in Cornwall, and is always interested in an outdoor sports project.
SIMON HAMMOND
Simon Hammond is his Dad. He works as an international surf and sea kayak coach. Regularly runs sea kayak surf workshops from his base in Bude, Cornwall. Author of the book Surf Kayaking: The Essential Guide and former World Surf Kayaking Champion.
Even when you catch an edge the natural turbulence of the wave will help you roll back up.