Turns out all the stuff I read at Kayuba and at Jim Spears was true.I took my yak into the Ocean Blue today for a snorkel training day. The waves were around 3' Very Steep well actually NOAA called them Average but they were steep enough to curl over with a mild wind of about 5-10. Certainley not the nice mounds and valleys.
I carried the yak about 50 yards to the water line. The little anchor slid from the stern to the bow and offset the balance enough it began to strain my neck. I was surprised but I guess the yak only being 60# and the wieght moved 15' it made a difference.
I used the drag to waterline Sit, Scoot, Float, Paddle method. This worked great! The waves washed over the bow completely submerging the front hatch but she popped right back up ready to go.
I got out to the 2nd reef line and moved to the sand inbetween. I deployed the anchor, it is about 3 lbs folding but the grapples have a spoon shape for sand. It grabbed and held well. THe shock cord in front barely moved the yak holds in place easily.
I opened the center hatch and found about half a gallon of water sloshing back and forth. I pullled out my fins, mask and snorkel.. Rouge wave added about 3 gallons to the bilge.. nice!..
Put the fins on no drama. Putting the mask on I had to remove my hat and sunglasses. Stored them. Went to take my shirt off and I could just tell she was going over.. I jumped over the side thinking she might right herself.. nope I flipped it back easily. MUCH easier than say a Sunfish Sailboat and WAY WAY easier than a Hobie Cat.
I still had all my gear... because............ I had everything leashed!:kiss2: THank you Kayuba website.
The water felt cool shirtless. I pulled out my shorty from the dry bag-- way way easier to do this from the water than balancing the yak. I put the shorty on in the water which I found easier than taking my tank top off on the yak.
I swam with the anchor in had and had no sinking problems as I had calculated. THis is how I plan to yak dive by holding the anchor and dragging the yak not with a reel.
I jumped back in.. piece of cake. I jumped out and back in about five times no issues.
I paddled forward, picked up the anchor line with the paddle blade and pulled it in. It stores nicely in the sonar hatch.
I paddled in. I could feel the very powerful push as the waves passed. I decided to see if I could ride into the beach. ALL the sites recommend against this.
I got on a nice curl and off she went. I paddled, dragged and leaned WAY back keeping her nose high. Then something happened. She began to nose dive I tried to paddle, lean, yell Oh.. SH--oot and when I saw the front hatch underwater I knew the Endo was coming. She stuffed nose first stern slide and over she went.
I had to take off after the $130.00 paddle the leash (store bought) broke. I got the paddle, righted the yak. Stuffed all the stuff back on deck and pulled her in without drama.
Lessons Learned:
Leash everything.. with SHORT leashes mine are too long and I got tangled up in them a bit on the endo.
The bungie cord over the tank well sucks.
The water tight hatches, aren't . May be spalsh proof but that is it.
Make your own paddle leash out of Line from west marine I just tied one up in seconds out of Dacor line.
EVERY thing not in a dry bag gets wet. My glock, wallet, and marine radio goes in a pelican box.
ALL the stuff you need for diving should be above decks. Do not open a hatch unless you HAVE HAve HAVE too.
GET off and walk her in.. there is some kind of master JuJu to riding her in on the surf.
First time out and it went acceptable. By July 29th I should have the kinks worked out.
I'm going to try it this weekend weather permitting. You gave me some good advice. Now some questions for you. What are you using for leashes? I have a paddle leash, but what are you using to secure your other gear? In other words what kind kind of leash is it and where did you get it? Also you said, "The bungie cord over the tank well sucks." This is where I plan on putting my B.C. and tank. Did the bungees not hold them well? I'm going to use my dive flag leashed somehow to the front and tow the yak this way. I don't have an anchor yet. Wish me luck! I'm also looking forward to July 29th!
