I have a question about paddling in ocean at Nags Head

[29husky]

I am an inexperienced paddler. I recently bought a Tsunami 125 and have taken it out on flatwater a few times. I am heading to the beach later this month - I think around 6 mile marker, and looking for input on taking it out into the surf unless surf real rough. Thoughts on a inexperienced paddler doing that? I am not worried about falling into the ocean - more worried about sinking the kayak if I did flip over. Maybe need to get a skirt? Any advice appreciated.

[Daryl]

Your boat won't sink, but it will be a handful to get back to shore if it fills up with water which it probably will without a skirt trying to get past the breakers. A nylon recreational style skirt may not be able to withstand crashing waves either. I'd suggest airbags at the minimum, but suggest you leave that boat at home and rent a sit on top at the beach. No worries about taking on water in one of those. There are lots of places there that rent those. Kitty Hawk Kites is one that will rent you a boat, and you can see others as you're out and about. Your boat would be fine in the sound though assuming there isn't a lot of wind creating a lot of chop.

Daryl

[jamess94]

ive recently rented a yak board at nags head which is the smallest boat the rental company had because the smaller is better for the surf.

[sandysdad]

with 2 bulkheads the boat won't sink, but if it does get filled with water it will be much more difficult to control. A skirt is a must to launch the boat in moderate surf and to keep water out during landings. a bilge pump will help pump water out of the boat if you get it in. you will need to practice in the mornings before the crowds, no one appreciates an out of control boater crashing onto a crowded beach. expect to find sand in the boat forever.

some basic techniques

http://www.seakayak.ws/kayak/kayak.nsf/ ... enDocument

[bambam]

During the few times I tried a kayak in shore break I didn't bother wearing a helmet as I figured I would more likely break my neck than bash my head in.

It's fun but it ain't for a newbie.

If you just gotta get out there then find a place where waves are breaking over an offshore sandbar. That way if you crash and burn at least you'll do it where the water is getting deeper.

Ken Dubel