How to Front Surf on a Wave | Intermediate Whitewater Kayak Skills Series

[@cainey100]

This is the video I needed! Thank you!

[@AQOutdoors]

You are very welcome! Let us know how the practice goes!

[@riopradipto2804]

I don't know why but 3:57 is a very beautiful shot

[@AQOutdoors]

@@riopradipto2804 haha. Agreed. With your tagging the time and going straight too it I see what you mean. It almost looks like it should be in a 90s kayak instructional video . Thanks for the watch and the comment.. made my day..

[@mattyh7060]

Well explained, I'd also add the following: 1. Be prepared to actively adjust your steering blade angle, this is particularity relevant to bigger blade paddles (i.e be able to quickly de-power the stroke). 2. Always be ready for a quick forward stroke to push you back into the wave or react to a dynamic foam pile. 3. Look at how your separate your upper and lower body to create a more dynamic platform. 4. Each wave is different and you need to adjust to it's personality, so many people fall of waves because they are rigid. 5. While half slices are awesome (my Rewind is a surfing machine) you can apply these techniques to most modern fast creek boats and it's a great skill to master when you need to move around the river. 6. Paddle choice has a big influence and my 200 Shogun is no match for a more play focused shorter/smaller bladed paddle, you just need to understand the pros and cons of your set up and how to get the best from it.

[@AQOutdoors]

Great points, thanks for sharing. All of these will be invaluable for people finding and using this video Much appreciated mate!

[@mikearonoff]

I think mentioning blade angle would be of benefit, open face/closed face/neutral

[@AQOutdoors]

Good insight for sure. Is there anything specific you would like to add here for other people watching the video? Cheers for the watch and the comment.

[@MrOceanmind]

Excellent. I wonder at which point you introduce body rotation to new kayakers?

[@AQOutdoors]

Thanks for the view and question. We introduce it in a very simple way right from the start. In an intro course we get people to think about using their feet and knees in a sweep stroke. This introduces (again at a very simple level) the concept of upper and lower body seperation which is essentially body rotation. Hope that helps and makes sense.

[@MrOceanmind]

@@AQOutdoors thanks a bunch for your reply! I totally agree that seperation and rotation is an essential coordination for any move in a kayak. As I see it rarely taught, I was doubting if it might be too ambitous for a beginner when you are busy with surviving. So was very interested how you introduce it from the start without overwealming the student. I appreciate your instructional videos so much.

[@AQOutdoors]

@@MrOceanmind thanks for the kind words. The body rotation early on is only introduced in flatwater. We just want it to be a baseline thread for all paddlers moving forwards.