> For all of you who were worried that I might not be back after
> my foray into the Atlantic Ocean - you can breath easily again ;-)
>

> I went to a local beach and found only ~3 foot waves breaking
> over a sand bar. I paddled out only to find that a 3 foot wave leaves
> 2 full feet of water above my bow and deck - needless to saw I was
> soon very wet! I turned around to surf back in, on ~ my third ride
> I discovered that a larger wave, lifting my stern, actually forced
> my bow underwater ~6 inches - I was able to pull it back up but I
> spun sideways and dumped (my newly learned high brace only works if
> your actually leaning towards the brace!)

> My questions - do I need a rudder to surf waves? - I was often
> able maintain a forward direction while starting surfing but many
> times the kayak broached sideways (still a fun ride but not as good
> as surfing). Would a skeg provide too much directional stability?
> (If I broached the skeg would be sideways and might flip me)

> Given the risk of pitching over (burying the bow in the sand
> and doing a cartwheel) - should I be looking at a totally different
> boat? Are there any plans for an S&G white water play boat? I
> assume ~10-12 ft long kayak with a large high volume bow might be
> a better setup than my 17 foot Cheasapeake for surfing.

> BTW - boat came out without a scratch (mind you I didn't hit
> any rocks)

> Thanks for the help, Mark

Stick your paddle in the water just behind you and use it as a rudder. Be carefull on how much twist (steering) you give it, the forces get big as your boat picks up speed. Also watch for when you start, don't leave too late as your boat will be nearly vertical as the wave breaks. I've seen a kayaker impale the bottom with his bow and then finish up on his head in the sand. Ouch that's hard on the neck. We were all paddling 17' touring kayaks and were loaded up. Later when empty there were only minor upsets. We were on 4 to 5 foot waves on the west coast and on a sandy beach. Bram