Surf Kayaking

Surf Kayaking
Surf kayaking is very similar to that of surf boarding.  In many cases the kayak is similar in design to a whitewater kayak.  The primary difference is that a surf kayak will have what is called a planing hull as opposed to a curved hull.  They are very similar to surfboards in you will be attempting to do the same things as the people on those boards only you will be in a boat as opposed to standing in a board.  

Specifications

Usually the length of a surf kayak will range between 7 and 8 feet.  There are however models that can be up to 12 feet in length.  The reasons for this extended length are to better increase wave riding ability as well as to increase the speed in which you will be able to catch that wave you are after.  Primarily these crafts are made of Kevlar or fiberglass as these materials are very durable and can stand up to the pounding that will be taken by the craft as it crashes into the waves and rides up onto the shore.  These crafts also unlike traditional kayaks will sometimes have a foot controlled rudder to aid in steering your craft while on a wave.  There are two different designs as far as the kayak is concerned for the cockpit.  There is the traditional closed cockpit which in essence makes your craft watertight, or there is the open cockpit which is more along the lines of traditional surfboarding.  So depending on which sport you more want to emulate then you will need to choose that style.

Where To Go

Of course everyone can go to Hawaii to use their surf kayak, but now people are even trying to use them on the mainland in some places such as the Great Lakes.  Essentially anywhere that one would use a surfboard you can use a surf kayak.  Seeing as they are almost the same length and, in essence, serve the same purpose as the traditional surf board you should be able to use them in the same locations.  In all likelihood you can do even more with this craft as you are less likely to be thrown from your boat if you are sealed in and you have some training in the sport.

So basically find a place with some big waves, get your kayak and go to experience this thrill.