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Introduction to the Surf Zone

Seminar

Introduction to the Surf Zone - Hobuck Beach

Clinic that teaches how to launch, land, and paddle safely in and out through surf zones with up to 4 feet of surf.

Contacts

Michael Everett
Michael Everett
Primary Leader
  • Sea Kayak V
  • Moderate
  • Maximum Wind: 15 kts
  • Maximum Waves: 5 ft
  • Maximum Currents: 2 kts
  • Pace: moderate

A one-day on-water event covering concepts and techniques of safely traversing a surf zone in a long-boat kayak.  This is NOT a surfing clinic, in fact we will be trying not to surf. The surf zone is an extremely dynamic water environment.  Paddling in surf zones requires reflexive bracing and frequent swimming.  Capsizes are frequent.  A roll is great to have, but not necessary to take the clinic. The clinic will be presented as "challenge by choice" where participants may decline to do any of the exercises. 

Participants should already have taken an Eddy's and Currents clinic.

I also recommend participants have taken a strokes and maneuvers clinic; and have a good forward stroke, low brace, stern rudder, a strong reverse stroke,  forward and reverse sweep strokes while edging, and a reliable draw stroke.

This will be part of a 3-day event with introduction to the surf zone on Saturday, introduction to rock gardening on Sunday, and an open coastal journey (cape flattery) if the conditions permit on Monday. Be sure to read over the required equipment list. 

Most of us will be camping at Hobuck.  We may have a potluck dinner on Saturday night, depending on interest.

Location TBD. Hobuck beach campground. Ready to paddle (suites open, pfd's off) at 8:30 AM (in parking lot).

I'm listing this as a single event with a large numbers of participants, but will break it up into 2 pods on the day of the event to have more manageable groups.

Route/Place

Hobuck Beach & Neah Bay


  • Custom Correct North Olympic Coast
    Green Trails Cape Flattery No. 98S
    MapTech Cape Flattery to Whidbey Island No. 103
    Sea Trails Strait of Juan de Fuca & Crescent Lake WA301
    Sea Trails Roadless Coast, Neah Bay to Ruby Beach WA302
    NOAA Cape Flattery No. 18485
    Green Trails Olympic Coast Beaches No. 99S
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Sea kayak with sealed hatches in the bow and stern and perimeter deck lines in the bow and stern.

Properly fitting dry suit with adequate thermal insulation underneath for prolonged exposure to the sea.

Properly fitting spray skirt. Neoprene is much better than nylon, as nylon skirts tend to implode in the surf zone and don't work well.

Properly fitting Coast Guard approved type III PFD.

Kayak paddle that floats.

First aid kit for kayaking.

Helmet suitable for kayaking. No helmet...can't attend. No exceptions.

A set of sand wheels is very useful, as it is a long haul to the water.

2025 Makah tribal recreation use permit ($20 at the gas station in Neah Bay, or at the Hobuck office (office doesn't open until .)

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