out of control surf kayaks

I lived in the Rockaways for 2 years where kooks are in the majority. Lots of guys on tankers and SUPs with no control of their equipment and no regard for anyone's safety. On many occasions I went on 5 minute verbal assaults cussing these folks out if they ever put me in harms way. It typically got them out of the water so that was a positive. In retrospect, it is probably more useful to approach these individuals in a calm manner and explain to them your concerns. When you curse and yell, people typically think you're an a$$hole. If you speak with them, they might actually listen.

Stay Above the Weather!

 

I got hit one time by a kayaker at Ditch... I was paddling out and he was riding a wave... fortunately no injuries, no dings and a great session followed because I moved on and surfed without going off on the dude. I'm not saying you did anything wrong, I felt the exact same day about SUP'ers one particularly pumping day that included 4 SUP'ers who acted like they owned the lineup... that episode stayed with me for weeks. To be honest, it hurt my session, because I was focusing on getting "my" waves when the offending SUP'ers were paddling around me stealing waves... I agree with the dude above... as tough as it is, people respond in a more positive way to conversation than they do to a rant.
~Utah

 

I remember over the summer at assateague this one dude on a surf kayak ran over a crowd of litte kids. He got dumped by the wave, then one of the kids dad ran out into the water and dragged him to the beach. Didnt kick his ass, but yelled at him and told him if he goes back out again he was going to call the police for reckless endangerment.

 

I am glad this came up... I was on the receiving end of the abuse the other day when i was out...I have been surfing for 8 years or so and have never dropped in on someone in a way that would seriously inhibit their line/wave (besides a couple times when I first started). Anyways, first wave of the day...maybe I was a little too amped or something but I dropped in a guy and didn't see him at all. I pulled up to get off the wave as fast as I could and he proceeded to blow by me and shove my board. Besides him pushing my board we did not touch at all. I said sorry thinking that it would be enough. But this a-hole just wouldn't stop berating me like i was a f'in three year old. I finally gave him the big F U and paddled off.

I guess my point is maybe you should give people a chance, if it happens over and over then sure go for it, let the expletives fly, otherwise just let it go. That sh*t is going to happen whether you flip out or not.

 

Just curious, but how did he react when you went off on him? Apologetic at all? Every time that **** happens to me, the dude just seems confused.

 

\r\n\r\nI understand you say you didn\'t see the guy and sh#t happens. But think about it. Do you pull out in front of oncoming traffic without looking to see what\'s headed your way or walk in front of someone jogging down the road, apologize, and expect no confrontation come from it? I know a lot of people do and that\'s why accidents happen. \r\n\r\nThat guy could have been having a really bad day, fired from his job, wife cheated on him etc. When you drop in on someone (or run someone over with a kayak/SUP) you have to take all factors into consideration and weigh your options. It might work, you might get yelled at, or you might take a beating for it. I\'ve witnessed all three.\r\n\r\nThe surf industry/media has ruined our sport and lineups (sloppy beach-breaks to world class point breaks) are packed with people who want to partake in the fun. Lineups keep getting more crowded with your average joe who has little regard for anyone but himself and is willing to put others at risk because it just doesn\'t matter to him. I think that\'s what most people get irate about. Not at someone who simply makes a mistake. \r\n

 

Wow, screw that man. Mistakes happen, you noticed that you dropped in and pulled off the wave, that dude needs to chill the F out.

I would of called him onto the beach if he shoved my board as I was getting off the wave. Ugh I am getting angry thinking about it.

 

Yea man, I have never gotten in a fight in my life but if the waves weren't as good or I had a slightly shorter fuse it would have been a whole different story

 

I was paddling back out after a wave one time and got in another surfers way as he was about to pop up. Totally my fault even though I tried to get out of the way, some times you just cant. We both bumped off each other, no damage done though. As soon as we both surfaced and I could see him I sincerely apologized to him, he looked pissed at first but then he asked if I was okay (I was) and then we both just smiled/laughed and got back in the line up.

Words spoken with mildness turns away rage, and sometimes you need to let things go...I would be upset if I got pummeled by a kayak too, but I bet if you didn't go off on him he would of made it his job to come over and try to make it right. Besides, that's all he can do anyway...nothings going change the fact he lost control. Then you could explain your concern for others and how its dangerous to not be in control to give him something to think about for the future and hopefully stop it from happening again... Glad you guys are okay though, that's all that really matters in the end anyway.

 

I hear what you are saying havanasand but judging from where you come from (PR,HI) crowding is probably a lot bigger problem and I am sure that things get tense from time to time. In this case there was all of 10 people out that day. And I far as I am concerned, I don't care if his wife cheated on him, or he lost his job, thats no excuse to act like a dbag to a stranger... thats the type of attitude that will get you in trouble.

 

Yea thats true, I guess I don't know how I would react until it happens to me. I just hope I don't find out anytime soon!

 

I live in Virginia Beach now. If the guy was congnizant of the fact that you didn't see him then he needed to be mature about the situation. I've actually been dropped in on more here than in HA or PR. I think most people know that if you are going to paddle out in the islands especially the NS then you have knowledge that the consequences of your actions could end up getting you into some serious trouble. Either by another surfer or hitting reef etc...The East Coast just seems to be getting more and more like a free for all because many people who surf here have no etiquitte, respect or are just plain oblivious to their surroundings. I was dropped in on by a guy last month (best swell of the year and my first wave) who said he was sorry (even though he knew I was going) so I let it go, no big deal. Paddled down the beach 30yrds and proceeded to boost my wave quota while the other 10 guys set within arms length of one another. I guess I should have told them that we weren't surfing a point break but I hate to dissapoint.

 

Just my opinion here...and i'm not condoning someone berating you like a three year old, but if you dropped in and were close enough for the surfer behind to push your rail, you did "inhibit their line/wave". Its no big deal, but dont kid yourself...if he shoved your board, his ride was affected.

 

Thanks for the laughs guys! Surf kayaks need to stay WAY out of the lineup....

 

I'm sure it is really common, though I've been hit with SUPs more. Took one to the head in Brazil back in the spring.