To kayak surf in the river, look for a wave that starts right next to an eddy. You’ll ferry into position so your boat is acually sliding down the wave. The key to getting on a wave is knowing exactly where to aim when leaving the eddy, and controlling your boat position in the wave trough
To kayak surf, look for a wave that starts right next to an eddy. You’ll ferry into position so your boat is acually sliding down the wave. The key to getting on a wave is knowing exactly where to aim when leaving the eddy, and controlling your boat position in the wave trough
First, leave the eddy in a ferry. Aim for the depression on the eddy line, in between the peaks of the waves. This is where the trough of the wave meets the eddy.
Position your boat so you are sitting on the wave, with your feet in the trough. Feel for the sensation of your bow dropping down into the trough. Monitor the distance between the bow and the ramp of oncoming water. Try to skim your the bow of your boatJ along that dark water.
When surfing some waves, the water will pour over several inches of your deck; don’t let the bow dig in by applying too much power. The bow stays dry while surfing other waves. The instant the bow rises up, or slips back, take hard forward strokes to stay on the wave. Keep your boat pointed straight into the oncoming current with stern draw or light rudder strokes.
Armchair surfing
Imagine yourself surfing down the trough of a wave. Notice the sensation and view when you slide off the wave. How do you correct it? What do you do when your bow digs in?.. What strokes move your bow to the right?…to the left?….
Enders are the spectacular old school air-catching moves of kayaking. Getting air is as simple as driving your bow upstream into water that is dropping down over steep waves or ledges. The old big boats got better air, but didn’t do cartwheels.
Enders require very precise surfing skills. Most places for enders have a sweet spot with powerful current to aim the bow. The river power will propel you up into the air.