YAMBA SURFING – IMAGES BY IAN BERRY
During the recent Yamba Camp, weather conditions allowed a small group of paddlers to venture out into the surf at the beach adjacent to the southern break-wall.
It was a great opportunity to practise:
- Surf launches
- Surf landings
- Low braces
- High braces
And also to have a little fun on the waves.
Unknown to the group, Ian was positioned high on the break-wall and was able to capture some magic moments with his camera and zoom lens.
Here is a small collection.
Step 1 – The Surf Launch
Here is George, ready to party. His rudder is retracted and he has his helmet on .. Bring it on!
Bob and John easily clear the surf zone.
Some do it harder.
Step 2 – The Surf Landing
Behind the breaking waves.
The theory is to follow behind the waves
Check out the ‘Old Master’ George as he skilfully negotiates his way to the beach.
Well he took on a little water .. but a safe landing just the same!
In front of the waves.
In this case, paddlers accelerate and stay in front of the wave
Bob shows how it is done in his long boat.
He is able to hold his bow pointed toward the beach.
Edging and Bracing
It looks so easy? Well here is the problem.
If the breaking wave catches you, it will push the stern around.
At this point, you must brace, edge the kayak and allow the water to pass underneath.
Here is John in action .. complete with his Greenland Paddle.
.. and Max in a low brace position amidst the foam.
The ‘OMG’ Section
They make it all look so easy! Well it’s not!
George is finally caught by a following wave and taken to ‘new heights.’
A set up for a C to C roll.
Bob buries his bow .. “I need a shorter boat.”
Sue empties her cockpit and surveys her damaged rudder.
Max emerges from the foam .. finally!
Surfing.
You wonder why we submit ourselves to this pain?
Simply .. sometimes it all comes together .. and it is sooo sweet!
John with his home made outfit.
A Valley Avocet at Play.