Bluetaildragger wrote:
Anyone have any experience surf launching the Sport? I've surf launched an Ocean Kayak Malibu Two solo for years, so am plenty experienced in the breakers. I just got the sport, and am about to get a Revo 13. I'm guessing the sport will be just fine for calmer days, and I'll use the revo for choppier and heavier surf. Any input??
The vast majority of my experience with surf launching mirage drive yaks has been in Outbacks. IMO, it is generally easier to launch or beach in surf with a paddle as opposed to the mirage drive as the paddle offers a better ability to quickly turn to deal with conditions; especially at low speed. I rarely deal with surf these days, but back when it was a regular part of my routine, I would have the rudder up and use the paddle until I got beyond the breakers. Same thing when I would beach the boat: rudder up and mirage drive out of the hole and laying between my legs, use the paddle to keep me straight.
With that in mind, I think the shorter Sport might be easier than the longer Revo in heavy surf as it will be easier to quickly turn, but that's just speculation on my part. Full disclosure: I'm partial to fat bottomed Outbacks, so I don't think of Revos as rough water boats, but I'm well aware that people take them out in chop all the time. Take my observations with a grain of salt.