Non-surf launch areas in NW Oregon?

Howdy all,

After my Huli yesterday down at PC, I was thinking of any sites that offer non-surf launchs into the ocean.  I know Depoe Bay is a possibility, but it is a long drive for a day trip.  Do any of the bays north of Lincoln city have relatively safe mouths?  Netarts, Tillamook, Nehalem?

Cheers,
Madoc

Lol!  Short answer..... Nope.  Lol!

Those rivermouths are just plain dangerous.  I think you'd be better off with a beach launch. 

BTW: In PC, the further south you go, the more dangerous the waves become.  The break just south of a line drawn from the rock is called gas chambers.  This refers to the fact that it generally throws out as far as the wave is high creating a great barrel for surfers.

Looks like more practice is needed then.

Looks like more practice is needed then.

Surfing your kayak is fun.  Take your ride out on a small day with only your paddle.  Spend an hour or two paddling out and coming back in.  Practice bracing turns.  Practice shifting your weight back on the takeoff to limit pitch-poleing.  Practice righting your kayak and re-entry in the impact zone.  Don't deploy your rudder in the impact zone unless you really want to break it.  Hint:  Scooting forward and back changes the control of your yak.
If you fall off, hang on to your yak.  That's what Zee calls a superman.  You can actually superman all the way in on a big or powerfull day.  (note: small days with a long period can have really powerfull waves.)

With some practice and well stowed gear, you'll actually start having fun on the landings. 

Practice, practice. practice. Surf is an ever changing element and knowing how to roll w/ those changes gives you skills and confidence. After you gain a little confidence you'll really like those surf launches. And master the superman. It'll save you when you do bail in the surf zone and keep you and your gear together. And lastly, have your paddle leashed. My last bail in surf would have gone 100% better if I didn't have to worry about losing my paddle.

Z

Do a little reading on the topic of "High" and "Low" Bracing...  very valuable skills to have under your belt.  Did my early learning with the book " the complete book of sea kayaking 4th edition" by Globe Pequot

This is a pretty informative sight http://www.kayakpaddling.net/.  Its an animated tutorial on different paddling and bracing techniques. 
-Craig

This is a pretty informative sight http://www.kayakpaddling.net/.  Its an animated tutorial on different paddling and bracing techniques. 
-Craig

Now that is awesome.

I need to mount some thigh straps and see if I can actually low and hig brace with the Outback

I'm looking forward to the next surf classes from Alder Creek, hoping i can attend.  Practice is great, but instant feedback and guidance can be even better.

Howdy all,

After my Huli yesterday down at PC, I was thinking of any sites that offer non-surf launchs into the ocean.  I know Depoe Bay is a possibility, but it is a long drive for a day trip.  Do any of the bays north of Lincoln city have relatively safe mouths?  Netarts, Tillamook, Nehalem?

Cheers,
Madoc

Some river mouths and jetty entrances can offer shelter on some days. The force of the river exiting out to sea can lay the break down a bit.

That being said, you gotta pick your days. Most of the time on the Oregon coast it just means taking a huge break and making it just plain old big.

This is a pretty informative sight http://www.kayakpaddling.net/.  Its an animated tutorial on different paddling and bracing techniques. 
-Craig

That's pretty cool. I was following this graduate students thesis in Ocean Paddler magazine...Cool to see it animated. I guess they finished and graduated.