Kayak Surfing

The sport, technique, and equipment, used in of surfing ocean waves with kayaks. Surf kayaking carries many similarities to surf board surfing, but with boats designed for use in surf zones, propelled by paddle. A number of kayak designs are used, but all are utilized to use the waves energy to propel ones craft.
Surf Kayaking is popular in many areas frequented by surf board surfers. The Sport has grown in popularity greatly over the last decades, in pace with the rise of sea kayaking, and modern building materials and techniques.

There are a number of specialty Surf Kayak designs available. They are often equipped with up to three fins. Specialty surf kayaks typically have flat bottoms, and hard edges, similar to surf boards. The design of a surf kayak promotes the use of an ocean surf wave (moving wave) as opposed to a river or feature wave (moving water). They are typically made from rotomolded plastic, or fiberglass, but are also available in Kevlar, or carbon fiber.

Waveskis, a sit-on-top variety, carry many similarities to Surf Kayaks. Specialty surf kayaks and waveski's share many similarities with surf boards.

Many Kayaks, such as those used in Whitewater kayaking, on rivers or tidal rapids, are used. Many whitewater designs can be fitted with fins, to assit in control on moving surf waves.

Sea kayaks, generally used for day-trip, to expedition kayaking, are used in surf kayaking. Due to their long length, sea kayaks are difficult to maneuver in surf. The techniques and strategies utilized in landing kayaks, even when heavily loaded, safely through large open ocean surf, could be considered a sub-discipline of surf kayaking.

A Surf ski, a long narrow kayak, is generally used to race in open water and should not be confused with Surf Kayaks.