How do I surf my playboat in the ocean?

Question

I'd like to take my whitewater boat to the ocean and surf it this summer. Any tips on ocean surfing?

Answer 1

I tested whitewater canoes on the East coast waters of Florida. I paddled surf kayaks and whitewater canoes on both coasts. First concern, access. Public beaches are great if you can find an area with out surfers or swimmers. Start slow, try small waves. It is difficult to 'breakout' if waves are big. One technique is to roll over and let the wave pass, then roll up. Lean downstream (with the wave) when heading toward the shore. A 'bullet proof'  roll is a practical necessity as well as a full set of air bags. Protective clothing is needed as many landings are on rough sand.

Answer 2

you'll catch anything because you can move so much faster than surfers.

when the wave is catching you lift your legs to stop the bow from pearling. when your on the wave you can pretty much do whatever you want.

think of an ocean wave exactly like a river wave. you want to lift the edge that's facing down the wave, lean onto the wave.

when your padling out try double pumping over the crest of the wave. it feels great when you nail it just right.

Answer 3

Assuming your whitewater boat has a planing hull(flat like a surfboard), the afrementioned advise is very good.  If your whitewater boat is a displacment hull(rounder shape when viewed from the bow head-on), then you'll have to be careful of having the bow bury prematurely as you try to catch a wave.  The displacement hull boats paddle out to sea with much less effort that the planing hulls, but the planing hulls really tear up the surf on the way back to shore.  

I wouldn't go out and try to surf the big waves right off the bat.  You can have a lot of fun on 5-6' waves.  I would also make sure you know how to handle rip tides, as they can be as dangerous as keeper hydraulics can be on whitewater streams.

You have my permission to go aout and have fun now!!

Good luck.

Answer 4

um..... ur crazy use a surfboard