How to Launch & Land your Fishing kayak in the surf

In this guide I share some tips on surf launch and landing for the kayak fisherman..this is just a guide and is targeted at the beginner to novice paddler..this is not designed to replace a course but will give some useful tips for you to get out and practice or set up a meeting with a local guide..kayak used in this session is the Viking Kayaks Profish 400..se bellow for links to more information - goo.gl/68U6IG

[@ReviewFever]

I think your video saved me a possible trauma today. After a couple hours of ocean paddling I decided to go with the 'ride on the back of a wave' surf landing technique. I timed my sets wrong and came in behind a third but didn't expect a fourth to roll in on me and wasn't backpaddling so when it grabbed me it shot me sideways. I quickly thought to lean to the ocean side with my paddle in the water and I had it for a few seconds but the wave got the better of me and tossed me off on the beach side in about 2 feet of water. I was ready for it so I caught the kayak with both my arms- bracing it against my chest. I dropped one knee to the sand, planted my leading foot and hefted it over the wave before it had a chance to roll me over completely. My calf is a bit swollen and I have a nasty area of sand burn but if i had not watched your videos a few days ago, I would have not had the knowledge for the quick thinking of your guidance on where to lean, how to brace, and what to expect and I know that I would have gotten dumped really hard and with less mental preparation than I had and I'd have ended up noticeably worse than I am. So, DEFINITELY more practice is needed and I plan on taking it to an empty beach on my island and stripping it down to just a seat and sitting in the surf for a while to get the angle of my paddle, lean degree, and the overall gist of what landing in surf is all about in my kayak. Thanks for posting your videos. If noone else ever says thanks, at least know that your time in recording and production has helped me immensely.

[@PaddleGuy1]

ReviewFever , Mate that was awesome! made my day to read your feedback (and had a laugh at your expense knowing exactly what you went through, I have been there too ;-) ) ..Thank you very much and soo soo glad I could help.. I would really like to post your feedback on my blog if you don't mind.. with a picture of you and your kayak? if your keen just send me an email to [e-mail]

[@MARZACpro]

Nice video, never knew about broaching. I also made a launching video, the waves were large!

[@CookingandFishing]

Very nice video! Any advice on launching/landing an inflatable SUP board? Looking at the new Hobie i11s, thing is 39" wide!

[@NaveganteBOG]

Thanks for the tips!

[@brewyn]

great video, thanks, makes me want to put away the rods and go have a play as well as gain some good experience :)

[@bravogolftango9943]

Another great training video. I could sure use some tips on where to mount the hardware for thigh braces, let alone where & if I can find them here in the states. I like the version you're using, looks secure.

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks BravoGolfTango .. what yak do you own? will try to advise best place to fit your thigh braces... these ones are the Mission Kayaking thigh braces..better than all the others I have used..in the states you can get Surf to Summit or Ocean kayak ones but they are not as reliable due to teh brass clips..thats the weak point! buy online from here and they will ship to you (mention I sent you) - www.vikingkayaks.co.nz/shop/accessories/kayak+fishing+accessories?product=291

[@tunstallgeo]

Great video mate! I have an Ocean Kayak and recently got into Kayak fishing in Nelson. Still working out rigging options and wondered what sort of fishing rigs you use. It seems like everyone in the North island is hooked on softbaits but i haven't seen much of that going on in the south. I presume they still work here but every time i have a bit of squid or bonito in the water vs a soft bait they leave the soft bait alone. Any thoughts on your preference for bait? Thanks in advance.

[@Knollster210]

Excellent video :)

[@lov2playtn]

Thank you for this video....

[@tomsterza]

Thanks!

[@PacoRamosKURRICANltd]

The safer way to land is backward. It is a good rule even for professional fishermans.

[@PaddleGuy1]

cant say I have seen the need to go in backwards in my time - will have a go one day and see why a few of you think its easier - perhaps on bigger surf days it helps you time your waves but to be honest with a good brace and a set of thigh braces you should be armed with enough to come in sideways and avoid the potential loss of control or damaged rudder ona sand bar when coming in backwrads

[@kross1957]

Great video and tips. My only comment would be that when you are broaching/bracing, your elbows should never be higher than your shoulders. You can get hurt that way.

[@LegoMachine3000]

what kayak is that

[@PaddleGuy1]

Profish 400 from Viking kayaks