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Water Depth
The most forgiving surf forms over a gradually sloping bottom
where the waves break a few hundred yards out, and form a wave
face with a gentle angle. You can ride such an easy break even
in a fully loaded sea kayak. Study the depths on your navigational
chart at your present position. Then ask, what's the surf like
here? If it's easily manageable, try to pick your next landfall
at a place with a similar bottom profile. Make note of any part
of the coast that has a gently sloping bottom with no shoals or
shelves: you may be able to land there.
Don't forget that water depth changes with the tide. A beach with
a rough break at high tide may be fine at low tide and vice versa.
So, when you're sitting around the campfire at night, watch how
the surf changes with the tide, and use that information to plan
your landing the following day.
River Mouths
A river may erode a channel through a beach. Frequently, you can
paddle up this deep-water path and avoid the surf altogether.
On the other hand, if a river carries a lot of sediment, it will
form bars and shoals that generate dangerous offshore breaks.
Often you can spot bars on your navigational chart, while at other
times you must rely on local knowledge.
Rocks and
Body Parts
Do I need to say it: If the surf is big and there's a possibility
that you might crash, roll, capsize, or pitchpole, then sandy
beaches are better than rock. And don't forget to wear your helmet
whenever you paddle through the surf. Even if the sand is soft
you need to protect your head from collisions with other hard
things like your kayak.
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