YARD SALE!!

[stevie951]

Penn Jigmaster and some Cheap Berkley lake setup I use to Sabiki...

Arrived this morning to Gnarly surf at LJ (Or what I would consider Gnarly for LJ please don't laugh haha (; :rolleyes::D) yet still hopeful in breaking that kayak cherry! Beautiful conditions though literally no wind to speak of.. I tried to launch around 0550, Sets @ 2-4 feet with what seemed only a 5 second Lull.. I Got broadsided in chest deep water and flipped :( Not too bad at all though, all intact, including 4 poles. I drug her back to shore and regained composure/untied tangles as it was my first time flipping. Then waited again for best opportunity to get out, I paddled out nice and adjacent to all the waves setting in the new set, then, nearly past the surf on the very last wave in the set, i Just get CRUSHED.. Easily 3 feet overhead, and it just broke perfectly on me, I tried my damnedest to paddle the 300 Lbs on my Stealth-14 past it but nope, just met by a big wall and a crest. :paddleersmilie::eek::(

This time it was not so easy to drag her back to shore, she had taken on water and I could feel it (A couple gallons at least!) I Snapped my Gaff pole nearly in half, and ripped the Female adapter off the battery cable as well as the 2 poles lost.. After the first spill, I did not re-leash the 2 poles as to why they were lost to Davey Jones, but no injuries to self, and all other items broken/tossed were recovered from surf and discarded appropriately ;) :the_finger:

Lesson learned for sure, after the 2nd spill I licked my wounds and called it a day, packed everything back up around 0700, and headed home to assess damage as I was definitely not feeling like the 3rd time was going to be a charm :D Not too much traffic out today, hopefully the other 5-10 kayakers out there today got to hook up! Till next time, Tight Lines! :cheers1::linesnap:

[Iceman]

3.5 at 8 seconds it tough manana..............would be just plain stupid:D

<table class="table table-condensed table-primary msw-fc-table msw-fc-nohuman msw-sarrows-no-trans msw-fc-showss"><tbody><tr data-timestamp="1461596400" data-date="12504" data-date-anchor="Monday2504" class="msw-fc-primary"><td data-original-title="NOAA Wavewatch III West Coast 4m 24 Apr 12:00PM GMT" class="msw-fc-thour msw-js-tooltip" title=""><small>6am </small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-s text-center" style="background-color: hsl(196, 78.9%, 37.233333333333%); border-color: hsl(196, 78.9%, 32.233333333333%)"> 5-8<small class="unit">ft</small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-r">





</td> <td class="msw-fc-ms">
</td> <td class="msw-fc-fps msw-fc-ps text-center"> 10<small class="unit">ft</small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-ps text-center" title="Swell Period"> 10<small class="unit">s</small> </td> <td data-original-title="WNW - 282°" class="msw-fc-ps msw-fc-lps msw-js-tooltip " title="">
</td> <td class="msw-fc-ss text-center "> 0.6<small class="unit">ft</small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-ss text-center " title="Swell Period"> 15<small class="unit">s</small> </td> <td data-original-title="SW - 227°" class="msw-fc-ss msw-fc-lss msw-js-tooltip " title="">
</td> <td class="msw-fc-ss msw-fc-lss" colspan="3"> </td> <td class="msw-fc-w text-center"> 25 <small>28</small> <small class="unit">mph</small> </td> <td data-original-title="Strong, Onshore WNW - 301°" class="msw-fc-wa text-center last msw-js-tooltip" title="">
</td> <td data-original-title="Sunny" class="msw-fc-we msw-js-tooltip" data-filter="weather" title=""> Sunny </td> <td class="msw-fc-wt" data-filter="weather"> 59<small>°f</small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-p text-center" data-filter="prob" colspan="2"> 100% (http://magicseaweed.com/Scripps-Pier-La-Jolla-Surf-Report/296/Multi-Model-Forecast/?timestamp=1461596400)</td></tr></tbody></table>

[stevie951]

3.5 at 8 seconds it tough manana..............would be just plain stupid:D

<table class="table table-condensed table-primary msw-fc-table msw-fc-nohuman msw-sarrows-no-trans msw-fc-showss"><tbody><tr data-timestamp="1461596400" data-date="12504" data-date-anchor="Monday2504" class="msw-fc-primary"><td data-original-title="NOAA Wavewatch III West Coast 4m 24 Apr 12:00PM GMT" class="msw-fc-thour msw-js-tooltip" title=""><small>6am </small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-s text-center" style="background-color: hsl(196, 78.9%, 37.233333333333%); border-color: hsl(196, 78.9%, 32.233333333333%)"> 5-8<small class="unit">ft</small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-r">





</td> <td class="msw-fc-ms">
</td> <td class="msw-fc-fps msw-fc-ps text-center"> 10<small class="unit">ft</small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-ps text-center" title="Swell Period"> 10<small class="unit">s</small> </td> <td data-original-title="WNW - 282°" class="msw-fc-ps msw-fc-lps msw-js-tooltip " title="">
</td> <td class="msw-fc-ss text-center "> 0.6<small class="unit">ft</small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-ss text-center " title="Swell Period"> 15<small class="unit">s</small> </td> <td data-original-title="SW - 227°" class="msw-fc-ss msw-fc-lss msw-js-tooltip " title="">
</td> <td class="msw-fc-ss msw-fc-lss" colspan="3"> </td> <td class="msw-fc-w text-center"> 25 <small>28</small> <small class="unit">mph</small> </td> <td data-original-title="Strong, Onshore WNW - 301°" class="msw-fc-wa text-center last msw-js-tooltip" title="">
</td> <td data-original-title="Sunny" class="msw-fc-we msw-js-tooltip" data-filter="weather" title=""> Sunny </td> <td class="msw-fc-wt" data-filter="weather"> 59<small>°f</small> </td> <td class="msw-fc-p text-center" data-filter="prob" colspan="2"> 100% (http://magicseaweed.com/Scripps-Pier-La-Jolla-Surf-Report/296/Multi-Model-Forecast/?timestamp=1461596400)</td></tr></tbody></table>


Mistake # 1, not paying enough attention to reports... Haha I'm coming to see you soon Andy for a Lighter Paddle!! Not that it would have helped me break through that monster, but maybe I could have gotten there just a tad bit quicker ;) :D

[King Saba]

Man that's harsh. Perhaps you could try getting out from a harbor next time? Do it at least until you're comfortable being around unpredictable waves and swells. It's pretty hard to flip in a stealth so that wave must of been something and this is coming from a guy who fished in a stealth in 8' swells and strong winds (15kts is strong in stealth lol at least to me). And, it sounds like you don't have a bilge or hand pump? I'd really suggest having either one to bail water out quick. It's an invaluable too especially for the stealth since it's prone to leaky hatches if you own one of the earlier models. Hope you get some fishing in soon!

[King Saba]

Mistake # 1, not paying enough attention to reports... Haha I'm coming to see you soon Andy for a Lighter Paddle!! Not that it would have helped me break through that monster, but maybe I could have gotten there just a tad bit quicker ;) :D

A lighter and stiffer paddle helps A LOT actually. Easier to get your strokes in and takes less effort with each stroke.

[stevie951]

Man that's harsh. Perhaps you could try getting out from a harbor next time? Do it at least until you're comfortable being around unpredictable waves and swells. It's pretty hard to flip in a stealth so that wave must of been something and this is coming from a guy who fished in a stealth in 8' swells and strong winds (15kts is strong in stealth lol at least to me). And, it sounds like you don't have a bilge or hand pump? I'd really suggest having either one to bail water out quick. It's an invaluable too especially for the stealth since it's prone to leaky hatches if you own one of the earlier models. Hope you get some fishing in soon!



Thanks for the kind words brotha,, This is actually my 5th Surf Launch, every time from LJ, about 10th or so time on the Kayak... But yeah, mistake #2, not timing it well enough and just jumping the gun...

As to a Pump, yeah I have the hand Pump, stayed nice and clipped to my Bow... Problem was the first time I was fine, second time around, the Yak was underwater so long and I was so out of breath, I could not flip her over in the surf for the life of me.. Took me at least 30-45 seconds... Looking over it and noting the battery wire issue, not even sure if a Auto Bilge pump would have worked? Although people have suggested here in the past that you stuff your area where your battery case is with blanket like material to avoid this issue.. Learning curve, doh!

I fell the issue is my my size though as well no? How large are you? The 14' being so big already, I'm 6'1 245lb on a good day so this does not help whatsoever... Gotta get to the GYM :arne1::sifone:

And as to your Paddle comment, I sure hope so because that was another issue of mine. I have a hand me down, the cheapest paddle that Crack of Dawn offers, just a lug! Being out of shape, i was huffing and puffing trying to gain power by dragging that thing through the water.

[FullFlavorPike]

Short period swell will deceive you. It doesn't "feel" the bottom as soon as longer period swell, so it just lurks its way into shallow water and then jumps up right in front of you. The waves will be smaller than a long period swell of the same size, but they're a lot harder to read.

[pingpangdang]

Didn't fish today because of the winds and small craft advisory per the NWS marine forecast.

So I made it a survivability day and took my kayak out to surf.

Practiced strong side wave riding along with working my weak side taking some nice lefts. Also practiced kayak reentry and flipping my kayak and reentry.

Had a blast and took some steep waves that closed out with out pearling.

Also plowed through everything with no problem from white water to blasting through impact zones.

Didn't even fall or roll over...

Confidence way up in regards to my kayaks wave handling dealing with the bigger than normal surf we had today.

It was a ton of fun too! Practicing wave riding will definitely squash any anxieties that exist during launch and recoveries.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[stevie951]

Didn't fish today because of the winds and small craft advisory per the NWS marine forecast.

It was a ton of fun too! Practicing wave riding will definitely squash any anxieties that exist during launch and recoveries.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk


Hah, did not even know there was a Small Craft, I checked reports up and down and did not see word whatsoever of that. Any advice as to which source best to follow in regards to craft advisories? I did not even listen to 16 this morning, turned my radio on during Launch while it was on my vest...

But yeah bro, I was thinking about that doing the walk of shame back to my car,, next weekend you will more than likely just see me surfing my Stealth for practice ;) :cheers1: :rolleyes:

[pingpangdang]

Hah, did not even know there was a Small Craft, I checked reports up and down and did not see word whatsoever of that. Any advice as to which source best to follow in regards to craft advisories? I did not even listen to 16 this morning, turned my radio on during Launch while it was on my vest...

But yeah bro, I was thinking about that doing the walk of shame back to my car,, next weekend you will more than likely just see me surfing my Stealth for practice ;) :cheers1: :rolleyes:
http://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=pzz750&syn=pzz700

Use this link above from the National Weather Service. ..they up date I even in the A.M I'm talking round the clock.

Gale force winds this evening and still a small craft advisory.

It's a great day to practice surfing a yak...obviously without the rods. If you do flip never be between your kayak and the beach unless you like x - number of pounds of hard plastic smashing into you. Get on the other side most west so if a wave crashes you will be away from danger.

Try playing in the surf...there are youtube videos to learn from. I find it easier to ride a wave then going straight in if the waves are big. Stay to your strong side I.e. i go right lower body remains straight upper body facing the wave face with my paddle dipped to the rear for control. When you ride a wave for some distance you can also pull out by applying pressure and a short stroke to help you turn right...it will slow you down the wave passes so quickly turn left to face the beach to paddle in safely. At this point you will be way past the impact zones and will have less powerful whitewater to deal with.

Even if you try to pull out of a wave and cant you'll just scurry sideways as long as you remain calm and don't lean too far right.

As for launching always keep your bow facing directly at the wave...If you are crooked the wave will turn you sideways and you'll be taken back with it.

Remember speed and plow through straight. ..If you are straight and not paddling. ..another no no. You want momentum so paddle hard up until the wave crashes on you...If they were big like the ones I took today lift your paddle quickly over your head until the water passes through. For small waves just keep paddling.

If you are trying to avoid getting wet take a few minutes to watch the sets...sometimes 5 minutes or until you see a pattern. Waves come in sets 3 or five or more just watch. ..The last few are the biggest so get ready to boogie when you think it's the last big wave of the set...This intuition comes from studying the waves prior.

Don't delay when it's time and paddle through hard...you can rest past the breakers. Don't half ass it...If you timed it wrong and just sit there like a lame duck hoping the wave will pass you by you won't have momentum and you'll get tossed. Kayaks are buoyant and are really hard to push under water...with enough momentum and buoyancy you will plow through waves.

Think about riding a bike you are less stable going slow and you are very easy to push over...with more speed you are less rocky...ever been on a boat anchored in rough swells? A lot if rocking. ..not so much with speeds.

Hope this makes sense. Also try jumping out of your kayak and getting back in...have your pfd. You may find out certain things you have on your pfd get snagged on your kayak...or a rod holder mounted in a bad position acting as a barrier. Try flipping your yack and getting it up right. Try from the side then from the bow and stern. .. you never know if a shark may block you from flipping on the side as he's biting down...get further away flip from the bow and enter from the bow.

It's a fun day at the beach doing this...try it in the bay first then practice at the beach.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[Silbaugh4liberty]

Hey Stevie, be glad it was La Jolla! Soft sand and shallow water, it could've been a lot worse!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[rdahl]

http://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=pzz750&syn=pzz700

Use this link above from the National Weather Service. ..they up date I even in the A.M I'm talking round the clock.

Gale force winds this evening and still a small craft advisory.

It's a great day to practice surfing a yak...obviously without the rods. If you do flip never be between your kayak and the beach unless you like x - number of pounds of hard plastic smashing into you. Get on the other side most west so if a wave crashes you will be away from danger.

Try playing in the surf...there are youtube videos to learn from. I find it easier to ride a wave then going straight in if the waves are big. Stay to your strong side I.e. i go right lower body remains straight upper body facing the wave face with my paddle dipped to the rear for control. When you ride a wave for some distance you can also pull out by applying pressure and a short stroke to help you turn right...it will slow you down the wave passes so quickly turn left to face the beach to paddle in safely. At this point you will be way past the impact zones and will have less powerful whitewater to deal with.

Even if you try to pull out of a wave and cant you'll just scurry sideways as long as you remain calm and don't lean too far right.

As for launching always keep your bow facing directly at the wave...If you are crooked the wave will turn you sideways and you'll be taken back with it.

Remember speed and plow through straight. ..If you are straight and not paddling. ..another no no. You want momentum so paddle hard up until the wave crashes on you...If they were big like the ones I took today lift your paddle quickly over your head until the water passes through. For small waves just keep paddling.

If you are trying to avoid getting wet take a few minutes to watch the sets...sometimes 5 minutes or until you see a pattern. Waves come in sets 3 or five or more just watch. ..The last few are the biggest so get ready to boogie when you think it's the last big wave of the set...This intuition comes from studying the waves prior.

Don't delay when it's time and paddle through hard...you can rest past the breakers. Don't half ass it...If you timed it wrong and just sit there like a lame duck hoping the wave will pass you by you won't have momentum and you'll get tossed. Kayaks are buoyant and are really hard to push under water...with enough momentum and buoyancy you will plow through waves.

Think about riding a bike you are less stable going slow and you are very easy to push over...with more speed you are less rocky...ever been on a boat anchored in rough swells? A lot if rocking. ..not so much with speeds.

Hope this makes sense. Also try jumping out of your kayak and getting back in...have your pfd. You may find out certain things you have on your pfd get snagged on your kayak...or a rod holder mounted in a bad position acting as a barrier. Try flipping your yack and getting it up right. Try from the side then from the bow and stern. .. you never know if a shark may block you from flipping on the side as he's biting down...get further away flip from the bow and enter from the bow.

It's a fun day at the beach doing this...try it in the bay first then practice at the beach.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk


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.

[Mr. NiceGuy]

Today was a good day for a yard sale.

If you want more challenging conditions, try again tomorrow. Waves are predicted to be 10-11.5' with winds 20-30mph.
http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/La-Jolla-Shores/forecasts/latest

If you conquer that and catch a nice fish, I will be in awe of your talents.

Personally, I think I'll stay home and take care of some overdue bills and paperwork. Do my laundry. Clean my house. Weed my garden. Maybe grill a steak for dinner. Maybe drink some dry, full-bodied red wine and watch a movie at home :-)

I need to re-wire my fish finder. Tomorrow is a good day for that.

We always have options.

[Mr. NiceGuy]

Didn't fish today because of the winds and small craft advisory per the NWS marine forecast.

So I made it a survivability day and took my kayak out to surf.

Practiced strong side wave riding along with working my weak side taking some nice lefts. Also practiced kayak reentry and flipping my kayak and reentry.

Had a blast and took some steep waves that closed out with out pearling.

Also plowed through everything with no problem from white water to blasting through impact zones.

Didn't even fall or roll over...

Confidence way up in regards to my kayaks wave handling dealing with the bigger than normal surf we had today.

It was a ton of fun too! Practicing wave riding will definitely squash any anxieties that exist during launch and recoveries.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk


:p

[jorluivil]

shit happens

[pingpangdang]

Today was a good day for a yard sale.

If you want more challenging conditions, try again tomorrow. Waves are predicted to be 10-11.5' with winds 20-30mph.
http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/La-Jolla-Shores/forecasts/latest

If you conquer that and catch a nice fish, I will be in awe of your talents.

Personally, I think I'll stay home and take care of some overdue bills and paperwork. Do my laundry. Clean my house. Weed my garden. Maybe grill a steak for dinner. Maybe drink some dry, full-bodied red wine and watch a movie at home :-)

I need to re-wire my fish finder. Tomorrow is a good day for that.

We always have options.
Yup no fishing for me today. ..just enjoyed a morning on the beach with my little boy and wife. Great day to grill some of that tail in the fridge. ..taco time! Surf and turf! 18923

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[pingpangdang]

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.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[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 👍

[Phishphood]

Way to get it done on a sketchy day

Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

[stevie951]

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 :D Beautiful fish brother! :cheers1:

[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.

[King Saba]

Thanks for the kind words brotha,, This is actually my 5th Surf Launch, every time from LJ, about 10th or so time on the Kayak... But yeah, mistake #2, not timing it well enough and just jumping the gun...

As to a Pump, yeah I have the hand Pump, stayed nice and clipped to my Bow... Problem was the first time I was fine, second time around, the Yak was underwater so long and I was so out of breath, I could not flip her over in the surf for the life of me.. Took me at least 30-45 seconds... Looking over it and noting the battery wire issue, not even sure if a Auto Bilge pump would have worked? Although people have suggested here in the past that you stuff your area where your battery case is with blanket like material to avoid this issue.. Learning curve, doh!

I fell the issue is my my size though as well no? How large are you? The 14' being so big already, I'm 6'1 245lb on a good day so this does not help whatsoever... Gotta get to the GYM :arne1::sifone:

And as to your Paddle comment, I sure hope so because that was another issue of mine. I have a hand me down, the cheapest paddle that Crack of Dawn offers, just a lug! Being out of shape, i was huffing and puffing trying to gain power by dragging that thing through the water.

Man sounds horrible. I never fiddled with the auto bilge pump with my stealth. A hand pump was good enough.

Lol you have more surf launching experience than me. It's a skill in my eye.

I'm 5' 10", 178lbs. I have a stealth 12 that I used to huff and puff with when the winds and swells picked up. It's a beast weighing in at 73lbs, not 55 as Malibu states, with all the hatches and no add ons. Super stable yak for sure, but damn hard to paddle since it doesn't carry a cadence. This is where a lighter paddle helped me since I was almost always cranking out strokes to move along steadily. Really suggest getting a lighter paddle. I went from a POS Carlisle paddle (41.5oz) to a super sleek and light Werner Camano (27oz). With that simple upgrade my fatigue went down dramatically where paddling for 6-8hours was very doable.

[PapaJ]

Hey bro I'm pretty new to the sport but, I was watching you from the south side of the parking lot and was watching you do everything right but saw you moving no where when you were paddling up a storm but no acceleration! I saw that group of 3-4 kayakers go out to the south of you with less stokes but with a lot of acceleration. It has to be your paddle. Many props to you I just sat in the car and watched then went home!

[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]

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 :cheers1: