Surf Launching ….in the Atlantic Ocean….with the Hobie Islands can be interesting.
I have been surf launching kayaks (paddle, mirage drives) in the surf for over 30 years.
The past few years I have been surf launching with the Hobie Adventure Island and the past three years the Hobie Tandem Island.
Every launch and recovery in the surf is unique with constantly changing sea conditions, rip currents, sand bars, crossing waves, winds and tidal currents.
The joy of surf launching, and surf recoveries is wonderful experience.
The risk is real and I recommend only experienced kayakers take their Island into the surf for launches and recoveries.
One of the best ways to learn is to observe others and learn from both their success and mistakes.
Action cameras provide an excellent way to share experiences. I have put together a number of 4k videos along with data feeds from my Garmin Virb XE and Hero 5 action cameras. These videos are lengthy and represent segments from over 50 surf launches and recoveries in the Atlantic Ocean.
The video show both success and failures…..
The failures always seem to me more interesting and certain offer many learning opportunities…..
The type of failures are varied….. If you wish to dance with the tigers (Ocean Surf) you occasionally get bit….and…. some bites are bigger than others. The failures are mostly self-evident in the 4k videos….but several are hidden and need a bit puzzle solving to figure out….. A few of the failures include the following:
- AKA Arm fold overs and breaks
- Rudder pin snaps
- AKA join separations ….. and
- Capsizes in the surf
The failures sometimes are recognized quickly ….. other sneak up on you with no warning …. Taking precious seconds to recognize to figure what is happening …..all in the middle of crashing waves…..where every second count.
A few failures come in bunches….with several in play at the same time….
Again – surf launches are for the experienced!
Safety is important. In most cases I have multiple safety lines installed to protect the Island…..
Enjoy the videos links below. The videos are long...and contain a string of surf launches and recoveries.
Many more Island videos can be found on my YouTube channel.
Please share your tips for launching and recovering Islands in the surf!
Wind Watcher (WW)
https://youtu.be/hEr6BgZpA1Ahttps://youtu.be/rGFR7YjGyJY