Surf kayaks are very similar to of surf boards. In many cases
the kayak is similar in design to a whitewater kayak. The
primary difference is that a surf kayak will have what is called
a planing hull as opposed to a curved hull. They are very
similar to surfboards as you will be attempting to do the same
things as the people on those boards only you will be in a boat
as opposed to standing in a board.
Specifications
Usually the length of most surf kayaks do range between 7 and 8
feet. There are however models that can be up to 12 feet in
length. The reasons for this extended length are to better
increase wave riding ability as well as to increase the speed in
which you will be able to catch that wave you are after.
Primarily these crafts are made of Kevlar or fiberglass as these
materials are very durable and can stand up to the pounding that
will be taken by the craft as it crashes into the waves and
rides up onto the shore. These crafts also unlike traditional
kayaks will sometimes have a foot controlled rudder to aid in
steering your craft while on a wave. There are two different
designs as far as the kayak is concerned for the cockpit. There
is the traditional closed cockpit which in essence makes your
craft watertight, or there is the open cockpit which is more
along the lines of traditional surfboarding. So depending on
which sport you more want to emulate then you will need to
choose that style.
Where To Go
Of course everyone can go to Hawaii to use surf kayaks, but now
people are even trying to use them on the mainland in some
places such as the Great Lakes. Essentially anywhere that one
would use a surfboard you can use surf kayaks. Seeing as they
are almost the same length and, in essence, serve the same
purpose as the traditional surf board you should be able to use
them in the same locations. In all likelihood you can do even
more with this craft as you are less likely to be thrown from
your boat if you are sealed in and you have some training in the
sport.
So basically find a place with some big waves, get your kayak
and go to experience this thrill.
Be sure to check out ABCs Of The Surf Zone – Sea Kayaking DVD, for plenty of great information and tips and tricks.
