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< May, June 2000
	Surf Zone
Top Surf Spots

Whatever the reason (bony river, no shuttle, fanatic impulse) kayakers are heading for the biggest whitewater on the planet—ocean surf. After years as a fringe thrill, butt-surfing, so called by (jealous?) stand-up surfers, is suddenly taking off. But ask someone where a good place is to take your boat and you may get a blank look. So here's a guide to the breaks with a kayak culture. Expect to see every kind of craft, and every level of kayaker—from a rodeo wannabe's first salt to a U.S. Surf Kayak Team (USSKT) champion's millionth bottom-turn. Remember: board surfers were out there first and prefer not to get torpedoed, so don't "drop in" (see surf etiquette). They'll be cool unless you act a fool.

West Coast
La Push, Washington
Where to Go: Let's start with the gnarly Northern outpost of the sport, where surf kayakers have been gathering for "The Pummel" Surf Frolic every January since the 1980s. Monolithic sea stacks rise above 8- to 12-foot waves near a jetty by the Quileute River, accessed from the Quileute Indian Reservation. Beginners can play in the shore-break soup, experts can skip paddling out through the surf by riding the river out on the north side of the jetty. Round the jetty and rip, but stay nearby, as surf can get unfriendly farther south. Don't forget your dry suit or your roll. Another Bet: Westport.

Who to Know: Quileute Indians host visitors in cozy cabins overlooking the beach at Ocean Park Resort (360-374-5267). Seattle's Pacific Water Sports (www.pwskayaks.com) is the nearest kayak base (three-plus hours east); they host surf clinics and carry local Nigel Foster's Surf Kayaking how-to book. Washington Kayak Club (wakayakclub.com) has outings and events. Check www.ndbc.noaa.gov for swell predictions BEFORE you make the drive.

Events: The Pummel Surf Frolic, La Push, January/Washington Kayak Club; Oyster Open Kayak Surf/Westport/October.

Cannon Beach, Oregon
Where to Go: Oregon board surfers suffer water temps in the 50s year-round, so let them have Short Sands (and the steep hike in) and take friendlier Ecola State Park's Indian Beach. Point Break movie buffs will recognize the craggy cliffs of the protected cove where Keanu Reeves stole the last scene. Start with beginner waves on beach-right and move left for more gnarl. Northwest wind and a mid-tide make for the best surf; logs and sharks can add occupational hazards. Another Bet: Cape Kiwanda near Pacific City. Who to Know: Pacific Wave Kayaks (www.pacwave.net) in Warrenton, and Alder Creek Kayaks (www.aldercreek.com) in Portland have rental kayaks, surf clinics, and Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club's book Soggy Sneakers, a guidebook to local paddling. Oregon Coast Kayak Surfer (www.members.xoom.com/ocks) has tips and links to weather and swell, as does Pacific Wave's Web site (www.teleport.com/~forwejo).

Events: Oregon Kayak Surf Off/Pacific City/October/Oregon Kayak and Canoe Club (OKCC); Oregon Cup Pacific City Surf Off/May/Alder Creek; Short Sands Salmon Bake and Surf/September/OKCC

Moonstone Beach, California
Where to Go: Located 300-some miles north of San Francisco and 70 miles south of Crescent City, Moonstone Beach is the hometown break of Dick Wold, one of the forefathers of surf kayaking. You'll find this 1999 USSKT member out ripping it up in his Wold Skis, made especially for surf kayaking. Moonstone is accessed by the West Haven exit, 12 miles north of Arcata. Shoot for high tide and you can ride the Little River to the outside. Another Bet: If waves are nasty at Moonstone, try Crescent City's South Beach, when swell is 7 feet and below; Point St. George when swell reaches 7-14 feet; Garths for swells 10 feet and up (if you dare). Who to Know: Adventures Edge, in Arcata, is the source for kayak rentals and info. Stop by Dick Wold's workshop (707-822-4673) in McKinleyville to check out one of his surf machines.

Events: Moonstone Beach Surf Festival/September/Dick Wold.

Bolinas, California
Where to Go: Bolinas is known for peace, love and a sweet beginner's break, but its reclusive residents would rather you hear about the shark attacks. To avoid crowding the small town, park at Stinson Beach southeast of the inlet and paddle across to the Bolinas side for smooth, friendly waves, best at mid-tide. And don't worry, the sharks go for board surfers first. Another Bet: Experienced butt-surfers can head across the Golden Gate Bridge to Ocean Beach, the hangout of Ken King, 1999 world surf kayak champ. Who to Know: Pacific Currents (www.pckayaks.com) in Point Reyes has surf clinics, as does California Canoe & Kayak (www.calkayak.com) based in Oakland with instruction at Lindemar Beach. The Bay Area Sea Kayakers Club (www.bask.org) takes surf outings. Contact Live Water Surf Shop (415-868-0333) in Stinson Beach for surf updates or check Tides & Currents, (www.tides.com). La Jolla Surfing (www.facs.scripps.edu/surf/weather.shtml) has buoy data for Northern California.

Events: Get Yer Boat Salty/Pacifica's Lindemar State Beach/October/ California Canoe & Kayak.

Santa Cruz, California
Where to Go: "It's the premiere surf spot in the world," boasts 1999 US Surf Kayak Team (USSKT) member Ed Martinez of his backyard break, Steamers Lane. Only problem is, you're not welcome there until you've earned a reputation as a descent butt-surfer. Waves average 15-20 feet, to—well—40. Start on Indicators at Cowell's Beach; you'll know if you're cool enough to move beach-right to Middle Peak. Only go to Slot by the Cliff if a) you have a death wish, or b) have successfully surfed there before. Dawn patrol (sunrise to 9 am) and surf kayaks made by Dick Wold or Mike Johnson are the secret passwords. Otherwise, the Room of Doom will get you if the surfers don't. Another Bet: Start one mile south at Capitola Beach to build your skills and reputation. Tip: learn the lingo.

Who to Know: The cognoscenti hang at Adventure Sport (www.asudoit.com), owned by Dennis Judson, chairperson of the National Surf Kayak Committee and 1999 USSKT member; ask about "Wednesdays at 6:30 am" club. The Web site has weather and surf-cam links (www.surfline.com), clinic and ACA-sanctioned event info. Venture Quest (www.members.cruzio.com/~venture), run by 1999 USSKT member Dave Johnston, has rentals and clinics at the wharf.

Events: Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival/ March/Adventure Sport.

Pismo Beach, California
Where to Go: Skip the scene in Santa Barbara for newcomer haven Pismo Beach, 100 miles north near San Luis Obispo. Accessed from Hwy 101, Shell Beach has a glassy morning reef break best at medium to high tide and a growing surf kayak culture, especially at Skag Drag's Beach. Pismo's beach break is two miles south, but avoid the stand-up crowd at the pier; keep going to Oceano Dunes. Primo camping options. Another Bet: Mondos, just south of Faria Campground between Santa Barbara and Ventura.

Who to Know: Central Coast Kayaks (www.centralcoastkayaks.com), one block east of Skag Drags Beach, has rentals and surf classes on demand. Ask about the CalPoly State U morning surf kayak club. Check the swell at Diablo Canyon Weather Forecast (805-545-3768 or www.tides.com). Mark Olson at Paddle Sports of Santa Barbara (805-899-4925) is the city source.

Events: Pismo Pier Annual Kayak Surf Contest/October/ Central Coast Kayaks; Jalama Beach Surf Off/March/Paddle Sports of Santa Barbara; Campus Point Kayak Festival/Santa Barbara/January/ Steve Anthony (800-690-7473).

San Onofre, California
Where to Go: Since Merve Larson's waveski revolution, this area has become a buzz-word for butt-surfers. Good thing that San Diego County has the most rad surf spots per capita, according to local surf kayak legend and boat designer Mike Johnson. He'll be out testing his latest prototypes on the designated kayak break at the south end of San Onofre State Park ($6 entrance fee, 150 car limit). Located by San Onofre nuclear power plant, some suspect a board-surfer conspiracy theory, but Johnson says, "No worries, it's a very user-friendly, wide open, fun place." Waves average 3-5 feet, best on a low, incoming tide. Another Bet: Carl's Jr., north of San Clemente near Trestles.

Who to Know: The San Onofre Surf Kayak Association (www.members.aol.com/kayaksrfrs/ main.html) lists events, how-to tips and surf etiquette. Carlsbad Paddle Sports (760-434-8686) has pre-registered surf classes every Sunday. Call Off-Shore Surf Shop in Carlsbad (760-729-4934) for a daily surf update or check the Oceanside cam (www.surfline.com). Contact Mike Johnson (800-460-9104) for his competition-winning kayaks. Events: San Diego Paddlesurf Kayak & Waveski Surf Contest, Rodeo & Festival/April and October/San Elijo State Beach/Carlsbad Paddle Sports.

East Coast
South Shore of Long Island, New York
Where to Go: You wouldn't guess Gilgo State Park is around the corner from downtown Manhattan. The clean expanse of white sand has a good beach break two hours on either side of low tide, or paddle out to the point break dividing the bay and ocean for great waves and scarce board surfers. Best swell comes from hurricanes. Park on the bay side by the Gilgo Inn, which has bar, food, showers and bathrooms through October. Get there before 7 am (Memorial Day to Labor Day) to avoid $20 parking fee. Another Bet: Long Beach (but skip during mid-summer crowds).

Who to Know: Empire Kayaks (516-889-8300) in Island Park is the local kayak source. Also try Rich Black (BLACKRI@mail.northgrum.com) of Long Island Social Surfing, a Sunday morning kayak club. Check the Gilgo cam at www.bungersurf.com/Bunger_Surfcam/index.html or the Long Beach Surf Report (www.members.aol.com/lbsurfrept). Events: Seafood Festival and Surf Contest/LidoBeach/September/Empire Kayaks.

Manasquan Inlet, New Jersey
Where to Go: Just south of the Big Apple, Jersey Shore waves are best in a kayak. On the north side of Manasquan Inlet, Manasquan Beach has an off-shore break that's great after the crowds leave for the season. In summer, head to Point Pleasant Beach south of the inlet; the north end is a kayak zone with nice 3- to 6-foot curlers at high tide when winds are from the east. Another Bet: South of Atlantic City at Ocean City (38th, 40th, and 59th Street beaches) and Sea Isle City (29th, 56th, and 65th Street beaches). Who to Know: Jersey Paddler (www.jerseypaddler.com) in Brick, boasts one of the largest kayak selections in the U.S., creating an avid 'yak culture in the area. They have rentals and roll classes and many of the staff head for the surf after work. At the Atlantic City end of the coast, TI Kayaks (www.tikayaks.com) in Ocean City, open May to September, has tours and clinics and hosts a surf festival in the fall.

Events: Ocean City Surf Festival/ September/TI Kayaks.

Nags Head/Outer Banks, North Carolina
Where to Go: Lighthouses and the Wright Brothers aside, the Outer Banks should be known as the hottest surf kayak destination on the East Coast. The hub lies between Nags Head and Kitty Hawk at Nags Head Beach. Park at the Ramada Inn, where you can eat, drink and size up the off-shore sandbar break from the deck. Surf's best a couple hours on either side of low tide, and easier at the north end. Waves average 3-5 feet unless there's hurricane swell bringing double-overheaders. "Everyone comes out for the hurricanes," exclaims resident National Surf Kayak Committee chairperson Pam Malec. Another Bet: Rodanthe, 20 minutes south, for wild open beach.

Who to Know: Kitty Hawk Sports (www.khsports.com) in Nags Head offers surf classes and kayak rentals; ask about the "expression session," first Saturday of the month, free and open to all. Their Web site lists ACA-sanctioned surf kayak events and results. The Ramada Inn (252-441-2151) is kayak friendly—concierge Rex Etheridge surf kayaks on his lunch break. Check the Kitty Hawk surf cam (www.SurfChex.com). Events: Outer Banks Surf Kayak Festival/Nags Head/October/Kitty Hawk Sports.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Where to Go: Fondly referred to by surfers as "the Hurricane capitol of the East Coast," Cape Fear sticks out just enough to catch most tropical storms. Hurricane or not, head for the north tip of Shell Island by Shell Island Resort, where the break is 100 yards out. A rip on the inlet side keeps stand-up surfers away (except for a few friendly long boarders). Best in mornings on a rising tide in spring and fall, after meter maids retire. Water remains warm well into December. Another Bet: Crystal Pier, a rock jetty south of Wrightsville strip.

Who to Know: In Wrightsville Beach Cape Fear Outfitters (www.capefearoutfitters.city search.com) has rentals and the Ships Store (910-256-4445) offers surf clinics May-September at The Sailing Center with 1999 USSKT champ Lydia McCormick. Ask her about the Kayakers Anonymous Club or e-mail Ralph Beer (compupow@sprynet.com) to join the "unofficial" local surf gang. Check the surf cam at Wrightsville Beach (www.SurfChex.com). Events: Surf, Sun & Sand Festival/Wrightsville Beach/May/The Ships Shore and Cape Fear Outfitters.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Where to Go: The Grand Strand may have a reputation for plaid pants and golf shoes, but kayakers don't care at North Myrtle Beach, 20 miles north of Myrtle proper near the North Carolina border. The beach from 28th to 32nd Avenues off Ocean Boulevard is a kayak-friendly surf zone with a sandbar and shore break best at high tide. Look for endo-throwing, 80-year-old Walt Hyer, the area's first surf kayaker. Apres surf options abound at Stool Pigeons and Barefoot Landing, a sports shopping mall. Another Bet: Garden City pier. Who to Know: Wind n' Sea, (www.wind-n-sea.com) in Myrtle Beach has clinics and rentals and is home to the Coastal Canoe and Kayak Club, with Monday night surf outings from late May to August.

Events: Wind n' Sea Surf Kayak Festival/N. Myrtle Beach/October.

Folly Beach, South Carolina
Where to Go: Sometimes the best things are illegal, as in the case of the Folly Island pier break. But as long as you stay 200 feet away from the pilings, you won't get slapped with a $200 fine. That means you can't catch the expressway rip out through the surf, but stay south of the pier in front of Holiday Inn and there's a nice left break that rides to the end of the parking lot. Incoming mid-tide is best, high fills the beach to the rocky sea wall. Another Bet: The Washout (surfers hangout, stay below main break), 6th to 10th Street (wide-open sandy beach, good for beginners).

Who to Know: Half Moon Outfitters (www.halfmoonoutfitters.com) has three stores in the area with rentals and clinics. Watering holes include the Pelican or the Sand Dollar (with a $1 membership paid a week in advance). Check the surf at the pier (www.follysurfcam.com). Events: Folly Beach Surf Kayak Festival/October/Half Moon Outfitters and Charleston County Parks and Recreation.

Jacksonville, Florida
Where to Go: No need to wear a dry top here. Local Mike Moore, captain of the 1999 US Surf Kayak Team (and former pro stand-up surfer) enjoys the warm waters at the Atlantic Beach break on 4th Street. Parking is scarce, but it's a less crowded, flat, sandy beach where surfers and kayakers co-habitate. Waves get bigger as the tide comes in, and really big with hurricanes. Another Bet: Cocoa Beach on Cape Canaveral.

Who to Know: BlueWater Outfitters and Kayak Shop (www.bluewateroutfitters.com) in Jacksonville is owned by Mike Moore. He organizes the Blue Water Outfitter Paddle Club, $35/year for monthly trips and lessons. Check the surf at Neptune Beach (www.jaxsurfcam.com). Stop at Island Waveski (islandwaveski.com) in Cocoa Beach.

Events: U.S. Waveski Championships/Cocoa Beach/October/Island Waveski.