Lets Go Surfing!! - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

jorluivil · 03-07-2012, 09:58 PM

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/...rf+off+oregon/

I'm having trouble embedding the video, click on the link above and it will take you to the video feed.

Legendary kayaker makes history in giant surf off Oregon

By: Pete Thomas, GrindTV.com

Is the world ready for the rollicking new sport of big-wave kayaking? Tao Berman, known for his first descents and

for pushing river kayaking to the extreme, has realized a goal he set three years ago: to surf the biggest ocean waves ever attempted from aboard a kayak (see video).

The project, which culminated in 30-foot surf at Nelscott Reef in Oregon, brings to an end a remarkable paddling career for Berman. The owner of three kayaking world records -- including highest waterfall descent (98.4 feet) -- says he's retiring, with nothing left to prove.

MORE ON YAHOO: Sun Flares May Hit Earth With One-Two Punch

But after witnessing what Berman accomplished at Nelscott, and realizing that giant ocean waves can be surfed from aboard kayaks, others are sure to follow in his wake.

"Tao has always been a step ahead of the game," said Joe Carberry, senior editor of Canoe & Kayak magazine. "He saw something at Nescott Reef that no other kayakers saw, and had the focus and really worked hard to understand the ocean and to test his ability over those three years he had been planning to do this."

But the feat was not accomplished without taking a few lumps. Berman, who possesses intimate knowledge of river dynamics, painfully discovered the ferocious power of ocean waves during a severe wipeout that delivered him

end-over-end in cascading whitewater.

However, he claimed to have relished that experience. "If I left here knowing that I was carving down the waves and never got to feel the raw power of the ocean, it wouldn't quite feel complete," he said.

It'll be interesting to see how long Berman, once described by Sports Illustrated as "the best-known kayaker on the planet," stays in retirement.

YakMedic · 03-08-2012, 05:19 AM

Tow in kayaking! Awesome

His next project should be to head down to the Cortez bank and go for the 60 footers.

kobra · 03-08-2012, 05:20 PM

gnarly

GregAndrew · 03-08-2012, 05:39 PM

I'm in George, but since it was your idea, I will let you have the first wave.

ashmoz · 03-08-2012, 08:52 PM

piece of cake! I can ride that thing with a 80lb thresher on my lap....

03-07-2012, 09:58 PM	#1
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,855	Lets Go Surfing!! http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/...rf+off+oregon/ I'm having trouble embedding the video, click on the link above and it will take you to the video feed. Legendary kayaker makes history in giant surf off Oregon By: Pete Thomas, GrindTV.com Is the world ready for the rollicking new sport of big-wave kayaking? Tao Berman, known for his first descents and for pushing river kayaking to the extreme, has realized a goal he set three years ago: to surf the biggest ocean waves ever attempted from aboard a kayak (see video). The project, which culminated in 30-foot surf at Nelscott Reef in Oregon, brings to an end a remarkable paddling career for Berman. The owner of three kayaking world records -- including highest waterfall descent (98.4 feet) -- says he's retiring, with nothing left to prove. MORE ON YAHOO: Sun Flares May Hit Earth With One-Two Punch But after witnessing what Berman accomplished at Nelscott, and realizing that giant ocean waves can be surfed from aboard kayaks, others are sure to follow in his wake. "Tao has always been a step ahead of the game," said Joe Carberry, senior editor of Canoe & Kayak magazine. "He saw something at Nescott Reef that no other kayakers saw, and had the focus and really worked hard to understand the ocean and to test his ability over those three years he had been planning to do this." But the feat was not accomplished without taking a few lumps. Berman, who possesses intimate knowledge of river dynamics, painfully discovered the ferocious power of ocean waves during a severe wipeout that delivered him end-over-end in cascading whitewater. However, he claimed to have relished that experience. "If I left here knowing that I was carving down the waves and never got to feel the raw power of the ocean, it wouldn't quite feel complete," he said. It'll be interesting to see how long Berman, once described by Sports Illustrated as "the best-known kayaker on the planet," stays in retirement. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

03-08-2012, 05:19 AM	#2
YakMedic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Wrightwood Posts: 623	Tow in kayaking! Awesome His next project should be to head down to the Cortez bank and go for the 60 footers.

03-08-2012, 05:20 PM	#3
kobra Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: oceanside Posts: 880	gnarly

03-08-2012, 05:39 PM	#4
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	I'm in George, but since it was your idea, I will let you have the first wave.

03-08-2012, 08:52 PM	#5
ashmoz 192.168.0.1 Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 397	piece of cake! I can ride that thing with a 80lb thresher on my lap....