Capacity and Slots Available -- 3 instructors and 9 students
The instructors – HASK members will provide instruction. We will have no less than one instructor for every 3 students. The instructors’ first mission is the students’ safety at all times.
The objective -- to create a safe environment for HASK paddlers to practice and improve their surf paddling skills. We will provide coaching and advice when requested. Skills we will help with include:
(1) Unassisted launching techniques;
(2) An effective low brace to remain upright in breaking waves (this is “the” essential skill);
(3) Paddling out through the break bow first and stern first;
(4) Paddling in to the beach under control bow first and stern first;
(5) Efficient forward paddling with waves breaking on you gunnels;
(6) Reading the surf to find the path of least resistance paddling out and paddling in;
(7) If conditions permit, surfing skills;
(8) Surf zone kayak safety considerations.
These skills will better prepare you for our offshore paddles on the Gulf side of the islands.
The target student –
(1) Max of 2 novice paddlers with good flat water strokes including stern rudder and bow sweeps.
(2) Paddlers with basic low brace and surf paddling skills taught in our 1st Timer/Novice instruction sessions. Alternatively, a paddler that has not been to our training events, but has acquired similar basic skills elsewhere (see Objectives 1 through 4 above).
(3) Good surf zone paddlers that just want to practice with a group.
Necessary equipment to participate – (1) a pfd that can be cinched tight at the waist, (2) a kayak-specific helmet, (3) a kayak with watertight compartments in the bow and stern, bow and stern deck lines, (4) a properly fitting water-tight spray skirt, (5) if you are going to wear glasses of any type, a very secure glass strap, and (6) footwear that won’t come off in the surf.
Directions - Drive to Surfside Beach then turn left on the Bluewater Highway or drive to Galveston cross the San Luis Pass bridge on the Bluewater Highway, then turn off at Beach Access 4. That is where we will be. I will have my potty-in-a-tent for the ladies. I don’t think you have to have the $10 annual parking sticker for Beach Access 4, but you might need it. Be careful driving in the sand as it is starting to get torn up. I don't expect anyone to get stuck, but just in case I have vehicle recovery gear.
Hazards:
(1) Big dumping surf -- The Galveston-Surfside coast typically has a sea swell from two directions, east and southeast. The swell is additive when the two match, so a 2 foot swell will give you an occasional 4 foot breaking wave that you need to deal with. We will adjust the training allowed based on conditions. We will reschedule the paddle if the surf is too large.
(2) Strong offshore winds – Winds from the west and northwest blow offshore and present a real hazard if paddlers accidentally paddle too far out. One of the assistants will be the designated “lifeguard” and will ensure that participants are turned back before they reach an unsafe distance from the beach. If the wind is forecast to be above 15 mph from the high risk direction we will significantly modify the allowed training or postpone the event.
(3) Your kayak -- Your kayak empty is a 60 pound missile. Flooded it is a 250 pound missile. When you are in the water, you must get to and stay on the Gulf side of your kayak and avoid the beach side. Your helmet is a necessary part of your defense from you kayak, but its only covering your head. All paddlers will practice techniques that allow you to control your kayak in the surf after you wet exit.
(4) Your paddling companions’ kayaks – Every empty kayak and kayak with a paddler on board is a potential missile considering you as a target. The surf zone pushes kayaks around and even excellent paddlers are not always in precise control of their boats. Be vigilant about protecting yourself, the other kayakers, and everyone else who is in the water and playing on the beach.
(5) Any paddle tethers or tow ropes (for both, yours or your paddling partners) – We do not allow the use of either paddle tethers or tow ropes when we are doing surf training except in very special circumstances. They present a serious risk to everyone on and in the water. They will be allowed for any sit-on-top surf kayaks as they are necessary to maintain some control of the kayak in the surf.
(6) The hard sand bottom – The shallow water, usually from chest deep to below knee deep. Your helmet is your necessary protection while learning in the surf.
(7) Shoulder injuries – Improper technique can expose shoulders to injury. We will emphasize proper paddling position and maintaining the paddlers box when executing your strokes. If you have shoulder issues, please bring them to the attention of the Trip Leader or an Assistant Trip Leader.
(8) Surf fishermen and their fishing lines – it is time to start seeing surf fishermen at the beach again. Always avoid their fishing lines which are hard to see. Stay well away. If you must paddle past a fisherman, paddle well out from him or behind him.
(9) Water babies of any age – Your heavy kayak being paddled to the beach, or worse yet your empty flooded kayak being swept to the beach is a real hazard for anyone in the water, especially children of any age. We will not train or paddle in any area why we might conflict with non-kayakers in the water or playing on the beach.
(10) Dehydration – Take water and drink it. Your water must be secured under a hatch or in a pfd pouch. Two hours of hard work paddling in the surf is a long time; I will drink more than 16 oz of water every two hours.
(11) Jellyfish of all sorts – I haven’t seen jelly fish in the water in years, but you do occasionally see them on the beach, so guess where they are. Don’t step on them. As an option, wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants for protection.
(12) Pooped paddlers –During the session, take at least one 10 minute break ever 30 minutes, and drink some water. When I am out playing in the surf I normally paddle for 15-20 minutes, then take a short brake.
Restrooms: I will have my pottie-in-a-tent set up as there are no portapotties at this location.
Number of paddlers: We will have no more than 3 participants per leader/assistant with a maximum of 9 participants, plus 3 Leader/Assistants.
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Trip Leader
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Karl Brauer
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Trip Assistants
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To be determined
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Trip Rating*
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4 (don’t be frightened away by the rating. See the necessary skills listed above, which is all you need for this event.)
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Ready to Launch at
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9:30
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Duration (hours)
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5
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Paddling Miles
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NA
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Emergency Initiator
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NA – we will stay in one location and all assistants will have emergency numbers.
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Emergency Phone #s
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Brazoria County Sheriff --979-388-2392
US Coast Guard Search and Rescue -- 409-766-5633
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Latest Expected Return
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Off the water at 2:30
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Auto Description/Lic #
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Distance from Houston
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80 miles
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* Trip ratings are only a guide. Actual conditions will vary with wind and other weather.
This is an ACA sanctioned event. Every participant must wear a PFD and sign a HASK/ACA Waiver. Click on link below to print out the waiver. Please complete prior to the trip so we can all get on the water a little quicker. HASK members who have provided a waiver to the HASK Membership Director within the last year do not need to complete a waiver.
o ACA Waiver - Adult
o ACA Waiver - Minor
Non-ACA Participants: You must purchase an ACA membership. Select the ACA menu item to join the ACA in advance or pay $5 for a single event membership at the put-in. Checks made out to the ACA are preferred to cash.
Non-HASK ACA Participants: You must provide your ACA number.