Pro Angler - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

cross580 · 07-01-2010, 05:39 PM

Launching:ffice

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I purchased my PA in April, launched LJ 1st time in June three days in a row. I waded out till I was deep enough to mount the drive, paced the sets, jumped in with t-handle paddle. I dropped the rudder, and pushed thru the waves with the Mirage drive only. It was small, biggest day might have been 2ft. I made i through the surf fine all 3 days. >>
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I had the front insert in each time, all three times I took on a bit of water. I left a small towl in the bottom of the insert; it absorbed the water vice soaking into my fish bag and other kit. The first 2 days I crossed the bungees hoping for a tighter seal. The 3rd day was the wettest and I close the front hatch normally, I took on less water. >>
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I am looking for a thicker seal to prevent the water from coming in next time. >>
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Landing:>>
The first two days the surf was very small. Peddled in on the back of a small wave, rudder down, drive in, t-handle paddle in hand. I picked up momentum and pulled in the drive, steered in with the rudder, kept the paddle in hand but didn’t use it. I stood up in knee deep water, no issues.>>
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The last day the surf was small but larger. I did the same drill, but lost momentum and turned left. I put my foot down in about waist deep water and stood up, otherwise I would have probably went over.>>
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Findings:>>
-The front hatch takes on water. So will the hatch with the cutting board. I will upgrade the seal and look for more improvements.>>
-The half paddle with t-handle is convenient to store and push out of kelp but it wont do you much good landing in surf over 2 ft. >>
-The full paddle would have helped more but I stored the other have inside the boat under the insert. If you keep the paddle out from launch, I would install something to strap it to the boat. I prefer less junk on the boat, but it will cost me a wetter landing. There was a potential for hyper extending the knee too. I guess for larger surf I could get out and push the boat from behind. As far as storage and stability, you could take a tv with you and stay dry all day until you land.>>
-I have the upgrade wheels on the cart, black rubber, air inflated. I blew a tire on the second days launch. Its amazing how heavy everything is completely loaded. I believed it happened as I was pulling the boat in the water at a slight angle and broke the bead. The tire would not hold air after that.>>

lterrero · 07-01-2010, 06:07 PM

Good Luck! surf is a little big & don't forget to secure all your Gear.

blitzburgh · 07-01-2010, 07:49 PM

No advice on the launch/landing as I have not done that yet. What I can tell you though is, the trax 2 cart is a must! I found that out the hard way. I have the trax 2 hd cart and it does me well. No problems so far. Please let us know how your trip goes! I am eager to follow soon.

premo · 07-01-2010, 08:13 PM

Roger, wait for me I want videotape your double salto.

07-01-2010, 05:39 PM	#1
cross580 Junior Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 3	Launching:fficeffice" />>> I purchased my PA in April, launched LJ 1st time in June three days in a row. I waded out till I was deep enough to mount the drive, paced the sets, jumped in with t-handle paddle. I dropped the rudder, and pushed thru the waves with the Mirage drive only. It was small, biggest day might have been 2ft. I made i through the surf fine all 3 days. >> >> I had the front insert in each time, all three times I took on a bit of water. I left a small towl in the bottom of the insert; it absorbed the water vice soaking into my fish bag and other kit. The first 2 days I crossed the bungees hoping for a tighter seal. The 3rd day was the wettest and I close the front hatch normally, I took on less water. >> >> I am looking for a thicker seal to prevent the water from coming in next time. >> >> Landing:>> The first two days the surf was very small. Peddled in on the back of a small wave, rudder down, drive in, t-handle paddle in hand. I picked up momentum and pulled in the drive, steered in with the rudder, kept the paddle in hand but didn’t use it. I stood up in knee deep water, no issues.>> >> The last day the surf was small but larger. I did the same drill, but lost momentum and turned left. I put my foot down in about waist deep water and stood up, otherwise I would have probably went over.>> >> Findings:>> -The front hatch takes on water. So will the hatch with the cutting board. I will upgrade the seal and look for more improvements.>> -The half paddle with t-handle is convenient to store and push out of kelp but it wont do you much good landing in surf over 2 ft. >> -The full paddle would have helped more but I stored the other have inside the boat under the insert. If you keep the paddle out from launch, I would install something to strap it to the boat. I prefer less junk on the boat, but it will cost me a wetter landing. There was a potential for hyper extending the knee too. I guess for larger surf I could get out and push the boat from behind. As far as storage and stability, you could take a tv with you and stay dry all day until you land.>> -I have the upgrade wheels on the cart, black rubber, air inflated. I blew a tire on the second days launch. Its amazing how heavy everything is completely loaded. I believed it happened as I was pulling the boat in the water at a slight angle and broke the bead. The tire would not hold air after that.>>

07-01-2010, 06:07 PM	#2
lterrero Leo Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: La Jolla, CA Posts: 482	Good Luck! surf is a little big & don't forget to secure all your Gear.

07-01-2010, 07:49 PM	#3
blitzburgh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Menifee Posts: 2,509	No advice on the launch/landing as I have not done that yet. What I can tell you though is, the trax 2 cart is a must! I found that out the hard way. I have the trax 2 hd cart and it does me well. No problems so far. Please let us know how your trip goes! I am eager to follow soon.

07-01-2010, 08:13 PM	#4
premo Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: costa mesa Posts: 124	Roger, wait for me I want videotape your double salto.