Getting out Over Sharp Rocks

Discussion in 'Global Bodyboarding Talk' started by Speed Bump, Jun 3, 2015.

  1. Speed Bump

    Speed Bump Well-Known Member

    324
    Jun 3, 2014
    Edit: This is posted under boogering, fyi.

    Any tips for getting out when there's nothing but sharp rox or seawalls? Getting out is easy, but landing is hard. I've paddled out and landed on Japan-style coastal armor, which isn't too bad, because it's pretty smooth as long as there aren't barnacles. But what about when you have to exit up a seawall made of broken concrete or other sharp stuff, and you don't want to trash your board and wetsuite?

    I try to time the whitewash and get washed into onto the biggest, smoothest boulder I can find. Then do the mad seal scramble up a few feet to somewhere I can wedge myself and get purchase while I rip off my fins and chuck my board up higher. This is still hard on my wettie and me.

    Any suggestions? Maybe unstrap in the water and hurl you board and fins up on the rox first, then scramble up unencumbered? Anybody got success stories?
     
  2. Zeroevol

    Zeroevol Well-Known Member

    Jun 22, 2009
    Where are you sponging that you have to deal wth this? Sounds like you are already doing it the best way, unless there is another exit zone you could swim for.
     

  3. sisurfdogg

    sisurfdogg Well-Known Member

    Jun 17, 2013
    It's better to have a board as a buffer, rather that go it alone. I am not a booger, but some things are the same. Have a good exit strategy when it's gnarly. Use the top of your board as a shield when getting drilled against rocks, jetties, etc.... the bottom of your board is where the magic is. The wettie is keeping your skin from getting ripped to shreds, so expect it to take some wear and tear. That all I got.
     
  4. Sandblasters

    Sandblasters Well-Known Member

    May 4, 2013
    Wear booties or find a cut... Paddle out and around. IF you can.
     
  5. africaextremsurfcamps

    africaextremsurfcamps New Member

    4
    May 20, 2015
    I guess should be easy with your flippers. You seem to be doing alright. Either wait for your feet to harden up, or use booties of the surf is that good at that spot
     
  6. Speed Bump

    Speed Bump Well-Known Member

    324
    Jun 3, 2014
    I scared an elephant seal the other day. I didn't see him among the rocks, and he flung himself off a 5' ledge, smashing into a sharp rock chest-first. I felt bad and I hope he's okay. If I'd done that, I'd have some broken ribs.

    Climbing rocks with fins on is freaking hard. They don't have much purchase, and I don't want to rip them up on the rocks. I got knocked off a rock backwards by whitewash the other day. Luckily, I landed on a flat one, and not a pointy one, and just got a bruise. I'm thinking I might chuck my equipment up above the wash line, then try to scramble out barefoot. Should be able to get better purchase, though the fins do provide some protection against cuts.

    The nearest beach is a half-mile paddle against the current. Everything inbetween is seawall made from coqina-type rocks. Super sharp pockmarked boulders.
     
  7. seldom seen

    seldom seen Well-Known Member

    Aug 21, 2012
    "booties of the surf"