Heavy shore break?

Loneski · Since 18 Dec 2010 103 Posts Washington Stoked

Is there any easy way to get out through heavy shore break. If you don't have the skills to throw down your board hop on and power up that shore break can beat you bad. Especially if the wind is light. Once out and riding you are loving life! Any tricks to make it out any less embarrassing?

DOPEFLY · Since 13 Oct 2007 97 Posts Maui

These situations take skill, man. Its not easy to advance out when the sand beneath your feet is being sucked out to sea right into the belly of another crashing wave that threatens to take your kite out of the sky and send your board to the parking lot. It's fast and furious at this point and there is no amount of advice that I can give but to ride a surfboard to overcome the sinking non-existent performance of a twin tip (I couldn't tell from your post if your were) and to concentrate on your point of entrance - maybe a spot up the beach getting pounded less. Wink

nickdward · Since 11 Aug 2008 130 Posts Seattle Stoked

It's all about timing. When you go surfing you don't just go running out through the waves willy nilly unless you want a 30 minute paddle out.

First, take some time watching the waves to get a sense of the timing of sets. Then walk as far out into the water as you can without getting too pounded as waves go by. This could be up to your waist or up to your ankles depending on how heavy it is.

Wait for the set to end (i.e. waves are smaller) and go for it. It helps to be able just toss your board on the water and quickly jump on and ride off. If it doesn't work the first time, wait for another lull and try again or look for a spot on the beach that has an easier opening.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4910 Posts Portland Unstrapped

1. Go for it to (preferred choice - crowd favorite)

2. Time it best you can between poundings, body drag with kung fu grip on board, be aggressive with kite, keep ARM outstretched to plane on board (careful not to dislocate shoulder)

3. Find a spot with less shore pound (no fun picking sand out of yer ears)

Aeolus · Sun May 01, 11 8:58 am

Light wind + heavy shore pound + steep beach + marginal launching skills
= high probability of digging rocks out of your ear canal.

Speed seems to be of utmost importance. Being underpowered sucks ass in this situation.

Often with steep beaches the current is running hard....so if you feel underpowered on the beach and the current is running with the wind...you're going to hit the water and your kite is going to lose 4 knts and then you're going to say "wow this is going to go badly"

Like those other guys said above.....timing and finding some other less disgusting looking shore dump is the ticket.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

On my TT, I usually jump what I can't get over until I get to a calmer spot.
This technique is usually successful unless you don't clear the wave - Not clearing has several drawbacks if there are other waves in the area! Wink

Waiting for a break in the waves seems to be the least energy intensive approach.

Sol-flyer · Mon May 02, 11 10:18 am

not sure if this works for everyone....but with a TT its easy to put the board on the beach and ride the break water as it approaches. be sure to get over the beach break before the water ebb's back to the break and barrels...works good