YARD SALE!!

[pingpangdang]

Originally Posted by rdahl

I will add a story that may help people in the event of a big wave in the face. Was paddling out in the dark one time in March several years ago (seabass around). There was big surf. Could not see it. No stars or moon. Could here it. After years of surfing and kayaking there was no confidence lacking. Stood in knee deep water for a long time counting sets and trying to find a lull. Thought I found one, jumped in and paddled like there was no tomorrow. Could barely see a horizon. Kept jamming out to where I thought I was getting close to the end of the surf line. Could feel a big wave coming in. Getting sucked out, horizon disappears. knowing big wave is going to break completely over me I am paddling as fast as possible to pop out the back of the wave. It happens. Big face comes completely over me. I am going at least 5 mph and fly up and out the back of the wave. As I am going airborne, something is not right. When the face broke over me, I ducked at the last minute. I did not do anything with my paddle. It was perpendicular to the wave. Wave snapped it in two. Had a good landing out the back of the wave but with the paddle snapped in two, and the next set wave approaching, there was not much to do. Bailed just before it hit me, and held on to the yak to prevent full yard sale. Got nailed, but made it back to the beach without any loss of gear. Drove home, got my extra paddle, and made it out on the 2nd try-though it was light at the time.

Note to self and others: when going through a wave, tuck and point paddle straight into the face.

Now that must of been a big wave! I usually can just lift it over my head to avoid the paddle catching....that's unless it's bigger than my arm can reach.

A few weeks back in pitch black darkness a wave smashed my deck...plowed through but my lowrance fishfinder snapped off its base and good thing it didn't rip it from the cable because that was the only thing keeping it onboard. Now if there are waves that are bigger than shin slappers I will stow the fish finder....same coming back if it's rough.

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[Superduper]

Yes it was a challenging day to say the least. I did get wet going out. Took a creeper wave in the face. Once out I had this thought of "wow it's gonna be interesting coming in" swells were tall. Once you made the ride to the top you could see where you were...
Finding bait was easy. Dogs were hard to manage due to the swells. Lost 3 greenies to them. Headed to condo and stayed inside. Seemed to be really rough inside today. Very tall swell. Got hit with a screamer around 8:45 ish. Didn't stick. 15 mins later in 60 ft water fish on the fly line. It was a kelp battle but I prevailed. Headed in knowing the winds were a coming. Boy did they. Timed my landing patiently and rode the white water to the sand. Fish weighed in at 27lbs. Thanks for the beer Gary 👍

[stevie951]

Originally Posted by Superduper

Yes it was a challenging day to say the least. I did get wet going out. Took a creeper wave in the face. Once out I had this thought of "wow it's gonna be interesting coming in" swells were tall. Once you made the ride to the top you could see where you were...
Finding bait was easy. Dogs were hard to manage due to the swells. Lost 3 greenies to them. Headed to condo and stayed inside. Seemed to be really rough inside today. Very tall swell. Got hit with a screamer around 8:45 ish. Didn't stick. 15 mins later in 60 ft water fish on the fly line. It was a kelp battle but I prevailed. Headed in knowing the winds were a coming. Boy did they. Timed my landing patiently and rode the white water to the sand. Fish weighed in at 27lbs. Thanks for the beer Gary 👍

Haha you and your damn luck! I am sure you saw me eat it the first time around, as i was dragging back to shore i could see you storing your stuff Beautiful fish brother!

[FISH11]

Congrats Superduper. Hard work getting out on those high surf days, the wind though is the real killer because of all the white caps between large swells once you are out there. Smart to come in before the wind picks up and makes it really dangerous. Nice fish.

[Murray]

Super attitude Stevie. I have to pick my days from now on because of core injury. Guess picking a more mellow day or doing the practice thing is the way to go. Had a good laugh when you mentioned your "walk of shame". I am sure you will have lots of success in everything you do with the attitude you have. Always good to not take ourselves too seriously. Good on ya mate.

[Socalkayak]

I have the stealth 14 as well. I've had several yaks and like the stealth but it has to be the worst yak for paddling through surf. I say through because unlike others it doesn't go over waves or white wash for shit it goes through them so your face takes the brunt of the wave. And water doesn't drain off deck fast enough. And let's not get into the hatches. Again great fishing yak but not made to go through surf at all and unfortunately I only surf launch at countyline. Surfed my whole life so my timing is good but one small white wash and you are now paddling a bathtub. My stealth has sunk in the surf as well no pump would have helped. Sank to the bottom. I clipped on a rope and slowly worked it in with the wave. Piece of crap. My solution now 2 yaks. Calm day stealth 14. Chest high or over the trusted old style prowler with limited hatches. Always the trade off.

[stevie951]

Originally Posted by Socalkayak

I have the stealth 14 as well. I've had several yaks and like the stealth but it has to be the worst yak for paddling through surf. I say through because unlike others it doesn't go over waves or white wash for shit it goes through them so your face takes the brunt of the wave. And water doesn't drain off deck fast enough. And let's not get into the hatches. Again great fishing yak but not made to go through surf at all and unfortunately I only surf launch at countyline. Surfed my whole life so my timing is good but one small white wash and you are now paddling a bathtub. My stealth has sunk in the surf as well no pump would have helped. Sank to the bottom. I clipped on a rope and slowly worked it in with the wave. Piece of crap. My solution now 2 yaks. Calm day stealth 14. Chest high or over the trusted old style prowler with limited hatches. Always the trade off.

BRAVE MAN, surf launching and Stealth 14 at County!? Haha but I feel you, as many times as I have heard just power through and you will plop over; nope, the opposite like you said as with the 14' I feel every time, I just crash right through that shit, no upward propulsion. It has been a wet launch every surf launch for me no matter how well I time the Lulls... And when Loading her up on the car, when I flip her over, on a good day (Bay/Harbor Launch) only about A Gallon or so of water pours out of the hull; but on several occasions when Loading her Up, I have flipped her over and 5+ Gallons of water just faucets right out the Hull scupper(Of course the Scupper Plug was not taken out till days end)... Leakiest hatches ever.. And lets not talk about the Seat area/ Seat Scuppers But yeah man, once out on the open water, even like today with the 5-6 foot swells I was chillen Indian Style fishing so it has it's perks; I heard it referred to as "The Barge" one time and that in my honest opinion is the best assessment... Like you said, I am def. learning that she is not the best for surf launching in rough conditions, glad I was not the only one who felt so lol