Handling the Canoe - Getting Out

First, canoe surfing calls for a two-man (or woman) team and teamwork. Study the surf before setting out. Look for the lulls between the sets of waves, observe the runs or rips, and the exact angle at which the waves approach the beach. If the waves are small enough, you can start whenever you are ready. If there is any size to the surf, wait for a lull or pick a runout or rip current. The important thing is to keep the bow of the canoe at right angles to the waves at all times. If you let the canoe get even a little off this right angle position, the first wave will turn the canoe broadside and the next will roll it over.

Carry the canoe into knee-deep water. The bowman gets in, keeping aft of the bow thwart, and steadies the craft with his paddle. The sternman stays in the water, near the bow of the canoe, keeping it at right angles and lifting it over the waves. If there is a strong set or current parallel to the beach it will have to be compensated for along with the angle of waves.

When the lull comes, push the canoe out. The bowman pulls and steadies the boat while the sternman quickly climbs in from about waist-deep water. He keeps his normal paddling position; with the bowman back of his normal position, the bow should be so light that it will ride high in the waves, to lift up and over the incoming combers.

The crossing of the waves is the crucial point. Once you get started, keep on going as fast as you can past the first break of the surf. It is absolutely necessary here to keep the canoe at right angles to the waves. You may have to change paddling sides very rapidly and use very powerful ruddering strokes. If the wave is going to break on you, the best procedure is to drive through and hope for the best. In almost any surf, even a light one, you can expect to get some water in the canoe.

If, farther out, you have to cross a bar with more breaking waves on it, use the same approach. You will have a better chance out there, with more room to maneuver, to avoid the first part of the breaking wave, which is the most dangerous, by speeding up or slowing down. Or you may be able to find a run or rip through the bar which will make it quite easy to get out.

Once beyond the last break you can relax a bit, bail out the boat, and return to normal paddling positions. Out on the ocean it is important to keep an eye on the wind. Any increase in wind strength or direction may mean trouble, and if there is an offshore breeze keep close to shore. Remember also that an onshore wind usually means choppy seas.

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