If you visited Wavewalk’s website you’ve probably noticed that unlike regular surf kayakers W surf kayakers don’t wear helmets. This is because we choose our beach carefully and try to avoid playing in places where underwater rocks or other submerged objects are to be found.
Traditional surf kayakers must wear a helmet because they constantly roll they boats so they could get head injuries even without hitting a rock. Board surfers don’t wear helmets because whenever they lose balance they simply jump overboard. In this sense W kayak surfing is more like board surfing, although we go overboard much less often…
Another thing you want to avoid is to portage your W kayak over long distances. If you must do it try to choose the beach that has a parking lot that’s closest to the beach because you can drag the boat on sand and pebbles, but it’s not advisable that you do it on asphalt or concrete – In fact it would damage your W kayak in the long run.
You also want to avoid a beach that’s too crowded with bathers since paddling among them might lead to accidents.
Generally, a beach where you can see many board surfers could be a good beach for you.
Difficult spot for beaching…
can you actually land in such a spot??
Yes, and launch from there too.
It looks more difficult in the picture then it really is because in fact the water in that spot is knee deep.
Such maneuvers require swiftness and good timing, and should be easier with a partial cockpit cover.
In any case, don’t try it unless you’re already a seasoned W surf kayaker.
Yoav