The trainer then takes hold of the webbing and quickly pulls your boat sideways. Notice how, in photo E, the kayaker's upper body is no longer balanced over her boat: Her brace keeps her from capsizing. 


E
 The trainer pulls the kayak out from under the paddler, and she braces
to keep from capsizing.


In order to stay upright, you will need to brace while side surfing (photo F). This is the same technique used in the surf in photo C. The longer and faster you keep the kayak moving sideways, the more lifting power there is to the paddle blade. This will allow you to practice the feeling of side surfing. It will also allow you time to recover to a balanced position over your kayak. Aside from simulating the feeling of side surfing in the ocean when hit by a wave, I have found this exercise to work well for bracing practice, as well.



F
 While the trainer continues to pull on the sling, the paddler continues
to edge the kayak, and uses the support of her high brace to get her
weight back over the kayak.


Try putting the kayak on edge the wrong way when pulled by the sling. The resulting capsize is a lot less traumatic than a real wave, and it will give you the chance to practice how to tuck correctly to set up for a roll before the real thing. This drill is not a substitute for learning in the surf zone, but you will have greater success during your first surf zone encounter if you practice first in a controlled environment. This drill is of particular value if you never have the chance to practice in a surf zone. When you find yourself in the situation of being hit by a wave or moving through a surf zone, if you have practiced side surfing in calm water, you'll know what to expect and how to react.

Wayne Horodowich is director of Adventure Programs at U.C. Santa Barbara. He lives in Goleta, California, where he has taught kayaking since 1985.