Kayak Skills "104": Surf Launch & Beach Approach
Strokes & Maneuvers:
As always we like to start off building the fundamentals. We will work on refining forward/reverse strokes and bracing. After a brief review we will introduce adjusting the trim of the kayak to perform and maintain control with less effort. Safety & efficiency is the goal!
Swimmer: Self-Rescue:
How DO you get to shore with your gear when in surf conditions? Building on swimmer rescues from the 102 skills class we will introduce swimmer skills and rescues when it comes to surf areas and rough water. We will talk about advantages and disadvantages of different techniques to know when to apply what. Learn about the toggle, back deck, and independent swims.
Swimmer: Buddy Rescue
A very important topic to discuss, learn, and practice. A buddy rescue can be graceful or end in catastrophe. We aim to avoid the latter. Learn proper buddy rescue techniques and how to decide what action you should take and when! Learn about toggle tows, and back deck tows, and even re-entry in the surf.
Surf Launch & Beach Approach
To conclude the class, its all about the right technique applied at the right time. The more we practice the more it will imprint to muscle memory. We will have time for a little surf play and an opportunity of “challenge by choice” to ride some waves! But first, we want to lock in the fundamentals!
Trip Details / Itinerary
Level: Intermediate
Trip Length: Approximately 5 Hours
Trip Details:
Ever wonder what is out beyond the breakers? Looking to earn your ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Assessment? This class goes over the fundamentals of boat control, wave mechanics, and all the in’s and outs of kayaking through surf. It is focused on boat control in the surf (not sea kayak surfing). The goal in this class is to paddle in and around surf without catching a wave or surfing. We must first learn boat control! This is a great class for perfecting your bracing, boat control, and edging. Obtain your ACA Level 3 Assessment or take this class to open a whole new world of excitement and exploration. Gain a whole new understanding of wave terminology and dynamics with ACA Instructor Justin- who grew up surfing along the coast of Florida and spent 20 years in the US Navy as an Oceanographer.
Course Objectives:
- Low/High Braces
- Reverse Stroke refinement (Surf prevention)
- Reading the surf / Basic Oceanography
- Wave timing
- Wet Exit in Surf Conditions
- Swimmer Self Rescue (Getting self boat/gear to shore)
- Swimmer Rescue in surf conditions
- Surf Launching (Paddling Out through surf)
- Beach Approaches (Paddling in through surf)
- Watersport Helmet required for this class
Course Requirements:
- Completion of our Kayak Skills 102 class, ACA Level 2 Kayaking, OR equivalent in experience.
- Sea Kayak with spray skirt (Provided at no extra cost)
- Approved Watersports Helmet to be worn in or around surf areas (Limited supply available to rent -$10)
- PFD to be worn at all times when in the water.
Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC):
ACA courses are open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the
following essential eligibility criteria.
- Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
- Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
- Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
- Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
- Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a
companion - Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up
while wearing a properly fitted life jacket - Get on / off or in / out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft
- Remount or reenter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize
independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance - Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed
in the appropriate Course Outline, and have the ability to recognize and identify
to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING/ITEMS
Dress for the temperature of the water
- Leggings, long shorts(Boardshorts), wetsuit/drysuit
- Water shoes that fully cover the foot (not sandals/flip flops)
- Wide brim hat
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Beach Blanket
- Nose Plugs
- Water, snacks or bag lunch
- Ocean safe sunscreen or protective clothing (long sleeve SPF shirt)
What does the class cost? Location?
Hi Karen,
Prices are shown on the link. Members receive discount pricing starting at $50/person. If you are a non-member booking with your own equipment the price is $75/person if you need equipment (sea kayak with skirt, paddle, jacket) the price is $85/person. This class venue will be in Cherry Grove (North Myrtle Beach, SC) at Hogs Inlet.
Awsome. Any chance you will be offering class in September?
Hi Karen, we are doing a full skills camp in September at Lake Thurmond near Augusta. This will be a small collective of certified instructors with 4 days of great classes. Details of the skills camp are linked below. It will cover everything from strokes & maneuvers, to rescues, and advanced techniques and a rolling class for interested participants. Campsite and evening socials included.
Link: Hamilton Branch Kayak Skills Camp
Additionally, The water will still be warm enough in September for a great 104 class. I am not sure if we will have one scheduled, but we can set up a class if you are interested. We need 4 participants for this class. If you have friends or others with interest in taking this class, we can set one up for you.