How to Ride a Wave in a Kayak

Riding kayak waves is an unexpected adventure for some. For others, the thrill turns into a love for kayak surfing and crashing waves. But it doesn't come without its challenges. Your kayak is prone to tipping on a wave or tossing you around like a washing machine. Learn to use your weight to steady yourself and master a thrilling ride.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Helmet Life jacket
Helmet
Life jacket

Step 1

Position your kayak perpendicular to the waves and use them as moment to propel yourself forward. It will conserve energy and keep you working with the waves instead of against them.

Step 2

Continue paddling until you reach the crest of a wave. Make adjustments in your direction if needed.

Step 3

Center your gravity and watch the waves. If they pass under you quickly and you're leaning too far forward, your stern may rise and tip your kayak over.

Step 4

Weight the stern by leaning your weight back and bring the bow up to steady the stern.

Step 5

Paddle backward over the wave if you need to steady your weight and regain control. If you wind up in a broken wave, your kayak will probably turn sideways. Lean into the whitewater to steady yourself. Don't stop paddling.

Step 6

Keep lateral over the wave to avoid being tossed. If you get turned around, resume your parallel position immediately after riding a wave to reposition yourself and gain control.

Tips & Warnings

Wear a helmet if you're going to ride the waves or rapids. Try surf-kayaking once you've mastered riding a wave.

Wear a helmet if you're going to ride the waves or rapids.

Try surf-kayaking once you've mastered riding a wave.

Always wear a life jacket while kayaking. Practice kayaking in calmer waters with slight waves before venturing into rapids and the ocean. Do not kayak alone.

Always wear a life jacket while kayaking.

Practice kayaking in calmer waters with slight waves before venturing into rapids and the ocean.

Do not kayak alone.

Resources

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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