Surf | Blue Dog Kayaking

The West Coast of Vancouver Island is famous for its surf beaches, surf can be challenging for paddlers wanting to land; this course teaches you how!

When swell reaches shallow water it will create breaking waves, a surf zone. The longer the wavelength, the faster it travels and the more it will rear up on entering shallow water, the bigger the surf.

Landing and launching a kayaking in surf is probably the most high consequence maneuver you’ll ever make in a kayak due to the high risk of injury or damage.

This workshop teaches safety in the surf zone first; assessment of conditions and wave patterns, correct bracing technique for side surfing, paddle signals for directing paddlers to shore and safe launching practice.

This workshop is designed with safety as the priority, however later in the day, conditions permitting participants can try some ‘real’ kayak surfing for fun, which is exhilarating , but always with their safety and that of others the priority.

Skill Level Required

This workshop is best suited to intermediate paddlers looking to challenge their boat handling skills in surf. You should certainly have a minimum Paddle Canada L1 skills or equivalent and ideally have either completed or considering taking the Paddle Canada L2 skills. The ability to preform a basic roll would be advantageous as being able to roll up rather than wet exit in surf is certainly preferred!. However if you do not have the roll down yet we are happy to provide some rolling coaching for our guests prior to the workshop (see rolling lessons on the website for details).

Above all come with an open mind to learn new skills, have fun and enjoy the challenge.