Totally Lost it. - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

nmbrinkman · 06-28-2007, 12:17 PM

What it the general wave...uh..group?? (for lack of a better word) I've was told a while back that it's a 3 set deal with 4 waves in a set and the last two being the biggest in each set... Sounds confusing. Anybody here really know?

dorado50 · 06-28-2007, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmbrinkman

What it the general wave...uh..group?? (for lack of a better word) I've was told a while back that it's a 3 set deal with 4 waves in a set and the last two being the biggest in each set... Sounds confusing. Anybody here really know?

Don't confuse yourself! There are no "general rules" about the ocean. The above statement is total BS. If one can predict that , than that person has control over nature." Expect the unexpected" Always be vigliant.

nmbrinkman · 06-28-2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorado50

Don't confuse yourself! There are no "general rules" about the ocean. The above statement is total BS. If one can predict that , than that person has control over nature." Expect the unexpected" Always be vigliant.

So those that can predict the moon cycles and the tides are in control over nature

. Just checking to see if there was a pattern to wave sets. I have noticed that the bigger waves have come just before a lull between the sets. Wasn't sure if it was mere coincidence or if there was any truth to what I heard...

bigderel · 06-28-2007, 04:32 PM

Sets can usually be timed, you just have to watch them for a while. Sometimes sets from two different swell directions can make it pretty tough though. It's tedious to watch for twenty minutes too...but often you can find a consistent rhythm. I usually watch for a minute or two and take my chances uninformed.

Hope someone finds (and returns) your gear...hasn't happened yet, but I usually have a mask & snorkel in case of personal yard sale.

nunyabizness1 · 06-28-2007, 05:01 PM

Timing is something that gets better with practice. Just when you think you have the right time to make a run for it, a wave that appears to be slow moving suddenly builds up quickly and catches you. Focus on aiming the kayak straight because the slightest turn can put you into a roll. I've learned to stow my rods or lay them down and strapped so I don't lose them. I had one snap because I left it in the rod holder coming in when the waves seemed low and no big deal. Use a leash. You can pick up some cheap dogleases at Walmart if needed for an easy solution. One other suggestion that I have heard from a few people but have not tried yet is to hang your legs out on either side when coming in to slow down the landing. Also, in response to Nathan's comment on the sets coming in, I've found the sets to be mixed up and only mother nature knows what will happen. Like Jimm H, best advice, don't launch when I do because the pattern of the sets will surely change as I start to make a run for it! :-) Have fun with it and wear you PFD so if you roll and get hit in the head with your yak, you will have the help of the PFD!

Planning on getting out there to try and figure out Mother Nature this weekend,

Maggie

sterling · 06-28-2007, 05:06 PM

Talk about unpredictable waves. I was waaay outside the surfzone a couple of years ago on my way out. Needless to say it was a huge wave day with 25+ winds. Anyway a "roque" wave wiped me out

and I had to swim to shore. My kayak was on the beach upside down and all leashes did their job. Jimm H helped me get back in that day since I was so cold and pounded. Moral of the story. At least leash your gear and DON'T PUSH IT!

esdees · 06-28-2007, 06:59 PM

I've been hit by a rogue wave before and it sucked. It hit me from the right side, flipped me and then died out. Luckily that was back when I kept all my rods leashed down for the entire trip, something I still do on the rougher days.

h2ofishfo · 06-28-2007, 07:08 PM

yeah theyt have been breakin qiuk & hittin hard the only trick is to haul ass & take the punch the chest & freeze your azz of the rest of the morning

Handymansd · 06-28-2007, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmbrinkman

What it the general wave...uh..group?? (for lack of a better word) I've was told a while back that it's a 3 set deal with 4 waves in a set and the last two being the biggest in each set... Sounds confusing. Anybody here really know?

I have heard some inside information from this dude called Murphy, and have collaborated it with personal experience, that the biggest wave comes just when youi think you have it all figured out!

Jimm H · 06-28-2007, 04:11 PM

Don't launch when I do.

Some of the biggest sets roll thru right as I start to paddle forward. I am amazed at how often the "black wall" smacks me on a dark morning, and anyone I launch with is either 10' in front (and DRY) or 20 ' back (and DRY and LAUGHING).

Aaron&Julie · 06-29-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimm H

Don't launch when I do.

A classic line that goes for us too. We seem to time it perfect...for the big ones.
Our best advice, once that good sized wave is headed at you is to make sure you:
1) are as perpendicular to the wave as possible.
2) have as much forward momentum as possible.
If it's a dicey wave and you have these two things in your favor you will probably be soaked but not roll. BUT...then you have to recover quickly and make sure you have those two things in your favor should you be hit by another big one, or two, or three. You know you've paid your dues when 3 to 5 waves swamp you in succession and you still make it out with all your gear.
It feels like crap being soaked, especially when the sun ain't even up to warm you, but you are grateful to the ocean gods that you made it out...somewhat intact.
Better luck next time.
__________________

nmbrinkman · 06-29-2007, 05:16 PM

Being in a FnD doesn't help either. When I get swamped by a large wave to the chest, the Kayak takes a bit of time to drain all the water topside. Sometimes longer than the time it takes for another large wave to hit you again, and sometimes again. Just keep going forward, it's not like you can get any wetter. Although your reels may need a lot of extra TLC...

hooked · 06-29-2007, 05:49 PM

I can control mother nature, heres how:

I paddle out perfectly dry, I then get a little cocky about being so good at timing the surf, and at this point mother nature will always summon a nice wave to bitch slap that cockiness right out of me and make me remember who's boss all morning.

trob · 06-29-2007, 07:55 PM

sorry to hear. it happens

06-28-2007, 04:11 PM	#10
Jimm H Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Bernardo-San Diego Posts: 117	a tip... Don't launch when I do. Some of the biggest sets roll thru right as I start to paddle forward. I am amazed at how often the "black wall" smacks me on a dark morning, and anyone I launch with is either 10' in front (and DRY) or 20 ' back (and DRY and LAUGHING).

06-29-2007, 05:49 PM	#13
hooked on phonics Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: La Mesa Posts: 47	I can control mother nature, heres how: I paddle out perfectly dry, I then get a little cocky about being so good at timing the surf, and at this point mother nature will always summon a nice wave to bitch slap that cockiness right out of me and make me remember who's boss all morning. __________________ -Peter http://www.outsidesd.com

06-28-2007, 12:17 PM	#1
nmbrinkman Work Sucks! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 559	What it the general wave...uh..group?? (for lack of a better word) I've was told a while back that it's a 3 set deal with 4 waves in a set and the last two being the biggest in each set... Sounds confusing. Anybody here really know?

06-28-2007, 04:32 PM	#4
bigderel UberMember Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: On the water Posts: 71	Sets can usually be timed, you just have to watch them for a while. Sometimes sets from two different swell directions can make it pretty tough though. It's tedious to watch for twenty minutes too...but often you can find a consistent rhythm. I usually watch for a minute or two and take my chances uninformed. Hope someone finds (and returns) your gear...hasn't happened yet, but I usually have a mask & snorkel in case of personal yard sale.

06-28-2007, 05:01 PM	#5
nunyabizness1 Maggie Join Date: May 2007 Location: Nunya Posts: 126	Timing is something that gets better with practice. Just when you think you have the right time to make a run for it, a wave that appears to be slow moving suddenly builds up quickly and catches you. Focus on aiming the kayak straight because the slightest turn can put you into a roll. I've learned to stow my rods or lay them down and strapped so I don't lose them. I had one snap because I left it in the rod holder coming in when the waves seemed low and no big deal. Use a leash. You can pick up some cheap dogleases at Walmart if needed for an easy solution. One other suggestion that I have heard from a few people but have not tried yet is to hang your legs out on either side when coming in to slow down the landing. Also, in response to Nathan's comment on the sets coming in, I've found the sets to be mixed up and only mother nature knows what will happen. Like Jimm H, best advice, don't launch when I do because the pattern of the sets will surely change as I start to make a run for it! :-) Have fun with it and wear you PFD so if you roll and get hit in the head with your yak, you will have the help of the PFD! Planning on getting out there to try and figure out Mother Nature this weekend, Maggie

06-28-2007, 05:06 PM	#6
sterling Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 118	Talk about unpredictable waves. I was waaay outside the surfzone a couple of years ago on my way out. Needless to say it was a huge wave day with 25+ winds. Anyway a "roque" wave wiped me out and I had to swim to shore. My kayak was on the beach upside down and all leashes did their job. Jimm H helped me get back in that day since I was so cold and pounded. Moral of the story. At least leash your gear and DON'T PUSH IT!

06-28-2007, 06:59 PM	#7
esdees The Good Clone Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Clairemont Posts: 520	I've been hit by a rogue wave before and it sucked. It hit me from the right side, flipped me and then died out. Luckily that was back when I kept all my rods leashed down for the entire trip, something I still do on the rougher days.

06-28-2007, 07:08 PM	#8
h2ofishfo Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Santee Posts: 821	yeah theyt have been breakin qiuk & hittin hard the only trick is to haul ass & take the punch the chest & freeze your azz of the rest of the morning

06-29-2007, 05:16 PM	#12
nmbrinkman Work Sucks! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 559	Being in a FnD doesn't help either. When I get swamped by a large wave to the chest, the Kayak takes a bit of time to drain all the water topside. Sometimes longer than the time it takes for another large wave to hit you again, and sometimes again. Just keep going forward, it's not like you can get any wetter. Although your reels may need a lot of extra TLC...

06-29-2007, 07:55 PM	#14
trob Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Marcos (now idaho) Posts: 231	sorry to hear. it happens