Great advice! I used to launch a 14' cartop aluminum skiff thru the surf on the same beach in the mid 1970-80s. Here are a few other hints: - Make sure your stuff is tied down before launch - If you have two people: ... One person is assigned to the front, they are responsible for keeping the boat pointed into the surf. ... The boat is walked out into water deep enough so the motor can be dropped down and safely started. ... When the boat's in enough water, the second person jumps in, starts the motor, and when ready, signals the first person to jump in. Then the motor is gunned to get out past the surf. - Watch the wave patterns, there are always brief lulls in the sets (watch the waves in the video). Wait until a lull before trying to shoot out. If you have two people, the person on the bow just holds the boat pointed into the surf until it's time to go, the second person can sit in the boat with the engine idling until the lull appears. On the return: - Wait outside the surf line until it looks like a lull is happening. - Unlock the motor so it can tilt up. - Wait until a swell passes under the boat, then accelerate so that you are riding in STRAIGHT on the BACK SIDE of the swell. IMPORTANT - ITS THE BACK SIDE of the swell, NOT the front. - Maintain speed (slowing or accelerating) to maintain position on the swell. If you go too fast, you'll pitchpole (going "over the falls"), if too slow, the following wave will break on top of you - As you near shore, GUN the motor to accelerate the boat. It will slide onto the beach, and the motor will kick up. Kill the motor immediately, and jump out. - Drag the boat up the beach out of reach of the waves That's what we used to do, in addition to all the points made here. Hope this is till relevant!
Funny you mention that. I had asked almost everyone before launching if they had seen some of my surf launching videos and all but one said yes. But it’s all good. It’s a learning lesson. I feel that most everyone who launched out got nervous and so some of the decisions they made, weren’t the safest or easiest. But trial and error, there’s always multiple chances to try again!
Also, if I may, ensure inflatables are inflated at MFG recommendations. I have noticed a few of them on this video were not completely inflated. Noticeable by the flapping of the nose of the boat when going over the waves! Happy Fishing !!!
I’m not aware of anyone wearing a wetsuit, some people have those black waiters on, I just went and swim trunks. But when the water is cold or I go out during rain, I do wear a wetsuit. But I just cut my old one and a half and I wear it as a pair of pants.
Great advice! I used to launch a 14' cartop aluminum skiff thru the surf on the same beach in the mid 1970-80s. Here are a few other hints:
- Make sure your stuff is tied down before launch
- If you have two people:
... One person is assigned to the front, they are responsible for keeping the boat pointed into the surf.
... The boat is walked out into water deep enough so the motor can be dropped down and safely started.
... When the boat's in enough water, the second person jumps in, starts the motor, and when ready, signals the first person to jump in. Then the motor is gunned to get out past the surf.
- Watch the wave patterns, there are always brief lulls in the sets (watch the waves in the video). Wait until a lull before trying to shoot out. If you have two people, the person on the bow just holds the boat pointed into the surf until it's time to go, the second person can sit in the boat with the engine idling until the lull appears.
On the return:
- Wait outside the surf line until it looks like a lull is happening.
- Unlock the motor so it can tilt up.
- Wait until a swell passes under the boat, then accelerate so that you are riding in STRAIGHT on the BACK SIDE of the swell. IMPORTANT - ITS THE BACK SIDE of the swell, NOT the front.
- Maintain speed (slowing or accelerating) to maintain position on the swell. If you go too fast, you'll pitchpole (going "over the falls"), if too slow, the following wave will break on top of you
- As you near shore, GUN the motor to accelerate the boat. It will slide onto the beach, and the motor will kick up. Kill the motor immediately, and jump out.
- Drag the boat up the beach out of reach of the waves
That's what we used to do, in addition to all the points made here. Hope this is till relevant!
Great tips thanks for sharing
These guys should watch your previous surf launching videos. Good tip to start your outboard the night before to make sure it is ready to go.
Funny you mention that. I had asked almost everyone before launching if they had seen some of my surf launching videos and all but one said yes. But it’s all good. It’s a learning lesson. I feel that most everyone who launched out got nervous and so some of the decisions they made, weren’t the safest or easiest. But trial and error, there’s always multiple chances to try again!
Also, if I may, ensure inflatables are inflated at MFG recommendations. I have noticed a few of them on this video were not completely inflated. Noticeable by the flapping of the nose of the boat when going over the waves! Happy Fishing !!!
Oso de,
I saw you at Coronado Island few weeks ago. Which inflatable bote did you have that day?
I had my blue 430. It was a pretty damn good day, barracuda and yellow tail
Pro advice, Thanks. Question, is everyone wearing a wetsuit? I imagine getting really soaked on my first surf launch.
I’m not aware of anyone wearing a wetsuit, some people have those black waiters on, I just went and swim trunks. But when the water is cold or I go out during rain, I do wear a wetsuit. But I just cut my old one and a half and I wear it as a pair of pants.
Thanks for the tips!
Very informative video!🎣😃
Great video!
FYI, 1st problem, The outboard fall down and lock from the surfs :)