Technique:Calm-water training for broaching
 by Wayne Horodowich

You don't need a wave machine. Just a webbing sling can be used to make a fairly good simulation of taking a breaking wave broadside. Handling your kayak in the surf zone is dependent upon your ability to stay upright when hit by a wave while in a broached (sideways) position because, sooner or later, you'll end up broached with waves hitting you broadside. If you do not learn this essential skill, you will never feel comfortable or be very successful in the surf zone. In addition to learning how to keep from getting capsized upon the initial impact, knowing how to side-surf to shore while balanced over your kayak will help you stay upright.

Most students are very anxious during their first encounter with the surf zone. The usual dry-land drills never seem to prepare them for the feeling of being hit by a wave while broached. A drill in calm water can simulate the force of the impact from a wave and give you the chance to try side surfing so that you'll know what to expect before entering the real surf zone. By practicing in calm water, you will experience less anxiety, you can quickly be righted if a capsize occurs, and you can gain immediate feedback from an instructor, who is right there, and not chasing you through the surf. A fairly good simulation can be done with the aid of a rescue sling, instead of a wave machine.

(A) Anticipating the wave, the kayaker has edged the kayak while maintaining her balance over her boat.

(B) The breaking wave has pushed the kayak out from under the kayaker. The edged kayak is side-slipping toward the beach while the kayaker supports her weight with a brace.

(C) As she side-surfs shoreward, the kayaker regains he balance over her boat

A

B

C