Maiden Voyage for Scupper Pro

[coloradoc]

So I picked up a used scupper pro about two weeks ago that I plan on using for spearfishing in the Monterey Bay area. Got a great deal on it and I was stoked to take it out on its maiden voyage this past weekend. I decided to launch from Del Monte Beach because of how close it is to my house. I only took my lifejacket, paddle, and mask so that I could get used to the kayak and not have to worry about a bunch of equipment getting lost in the surf. Made it down to the beach and I noticed the wind was kicking and that the surf was pretty big also. I said what the hell, I can't wait any longer and decided to make it a go. I waited for a good break in the waves and headout out. I was almost clear of the waves when I saw a big one jack up.....lets just say I almost crapped myself when it lifted me up. I was braced to fall off but the kayak held true and I made it over the wave. Needless to say it was a rush and very exhilarating.

Well I was so excited I made it out without toppling over that I paddled out to the middle of the bay and just hung out there, enjoying the wildlife that was out. There were plenty of birds, jellyfish, and even an otter. Made my way to one of the buoys that was out there and watched the sailboats racing around. I must say the kayak was a little tough to track because of the wind that was whipping into the bay. If I was not cutting right through it, it was pushing me to either side. The one thing I did notice was how fast it was. I have been on a 13' Prowler and I noticed the difference in speed right away. Also, I got alot of feedback from people saying the scupper is not as stable as some other fishing/diving kayaks. I did notice that it was not as stable as the Prowler, but I sat with my feet over the side for a bit and tried moving all around the kayak to try and reach for things in the tank well and the hatch and found it was plenty stable for me. Overall I was very comfortable in it given my size (5'10" 175lb) and I really liked the ride. I decided to head back to the house and made my way back in.

Now here is something that absolutely no one warned me about. Everyone I spoke to made sure to give me tips about launching INTO surf and how careful I should be, not how to get back in FROM the surf. Lets just say I completely ate it coming in!! Hehehe, I caught a wave (which of course at first was great) then the kayak went sideways and boom over I went. IT WAS AWESOME!!! :thumps: I did not get that worked but the kayak beat me to the shore. Luckily I still had all my gear and nothing was trashed. I felt like a little kid on the beach with my new toy. I had to jump into the water and swim around for a bit since I was so excited. Man that was a great feeling:D.

So now that I took it out in what are some of the worst launching conditions around here, I am planning to take it out again soon at some other spots that are more calm so that I can spearfish off of it. I already have a couple of spots scoped out. I can't wait for the weekend to come already. Hopefully this was not too long but I had to share this experience with you guys. Take care and be safe out there!

[DivnSurf]

Congrats on your new boat! IMO (and many others) the scupper pro is the best kayak as a freediving platform. It sounds like you had the good sense to make sure everything was secured before heading out. Continue to make that a priority EVERY TIME you head out on the kayak. With experience, getting out and back thru surf will become easier.

If possible, I suggest going diving with someone with significant kayak diving experience. This can greatly speed up your learning curve in areas such as : surf entry/exit, anchoring, rigging, gear selection, safety, paddling technique, etc. etc.

[hau]

Congrats on your new boat! IMO (and many others) the scupper pro is the best kayak as a freediving platform. It sounds like you had the good sense to make sure everything was secured before heading out. Continue to make that a priority EVERY TIME you head out on the kayak. With experience, getting out and back thru surf will become easier.

If possible, I suggest going diving with someone with significant kayak diving experience. This can greatly speed up your learning curve in areas such as : surf entry/exit, anchoring, rigging, gear selection, safety, paddling technique, etc. etc.

x2.
:thumps: "scupper pro gives u wings" :thumps:

[mnguy]

Congrats on your new boat! IMO (and many others) the scupper pro is the best kayak as a freediving platform. It sounds like you had the good sense to make sure everything was secured before heading out. Continue to make that a priority EVERY TIME you head out on the kayak. With experience, getting out and back thru surf will become easier.

If possible, I suggest going diving with someone with significant kayak diving experience. This can greatly speed up your learning curve in areas such as : surf entry/exit, anchoring, rigging, gear selection, safety, paddling technique, etc. etc.

:yup:

Have one, love it.

Best advice that I can give for the surf exit is the same one that I can give for the entry. Take 10 minutes to sit out there, either on shore or outside the break, and figure out what the pattern is. It may be a bunch of sloppy windswell followed by 4 set waves that are about 10 seconds apart, and then a lull for a minute and a half before the next set comes in.

Once you have that figured out, get a little closer and wait for the next set. If they are well spaced, I will wait for the next set plus the first windswell. After that, start digging water and don't stop until your kayak is on the sand and the water is receding for the next wave.

[Skamania]

Congrats on the purchase of your new toy!

This year I also bought a used Scupper Pro and my first time out was at MBK/Del Monte. I took a few lessons such as Surf Zone and an Intro class, money well spent! The few times that I have launched Del Monte for surf practice it's been fun, crash and burn;). I even got the thing to pearl on a good size wave:eek:. I use thigh straps and a helmet for this. The good thing about Del Monte is you can choose your own poison, as in wave size, the farther north you go.:D

I have only used this kayak three times as a dive platform...no time, I've got plenty to learn also.:)

I wish you well with your new toy.


John

[BenSpearing]

Have you guys looked at Native Watercraft at all? Very stable and versatile kayaks. I even have a buddy down in Texas who fishes for sharks from one of their stand-up paddle boards. I've got the 14.5 Magic and it has been awesome. I've used it on open ocean in Japan and moderately rough rivers in the U.S. Easy to stand in and fish, even in nice swells. Plenty of storage space as well. The Adapt-a-track accessory mounting set-up is awesome! I also use it for spearing...very easy to climb back into. Plenty of room for me, my spearing gear, and any catch really. I've used some Scupper Pros before and my only complaints were stability and a little more versatility for attaching extras...those are the two things Native Watercraft added to the Magic, and most of their other gear.

[coloradoc]

I hear you on the Native, very nice looking kayaks. To be honest though I think the Scupper was better for me price-wise, which was one of my biggest concerns just starting out. It got me what I wanted in a diving/fishing setup for the price I wanted and I could not find any others at the same price. That setup on the Native looks like a nice one though, I bet it is a comfortable ride. Definitely worth a look if I am ever looking to upgrade.

[bayboy]

I love my scupper. I never really understood complaints about its stabiliity, its a little tippy at first, but the secondary stability is just phenomenal

[BenSpearing]

I hear you on the Native, very nice looking kayaks. To be honest though I think the Scupper was better for me price-wise, which was one of my biggest concerns just starting out. It got me what I wanted in a diving/fishing setup for the price I wanted and I could not find any others at the same price. That setup on the Native looks like a nice one though, I bet it is a comfortable ride. Definitely worth a look if I am ever looking to upgrade.


Yeah, the price is definitely too high...I lucked out and got mine used at about half the new price. I love Craigslst!

Compared to other kayaks, I have no real issues with the stability of the Scupper, but I do like to stand and fish. The Native gives me that option. I've also hooked into some big sharks on it, and I do that the added stability when I've got an 8ft bull towing me around with a few of his buddies following us around.

[Ron S]

I too have a scupper pro. In fact, I bought it from Monterey Bay Kayaks right there at Del Monte Beach. My kids both have prowler 13's, and I have a few other true, (sit inside, spray skirted), sea kayaks and I prefer the scupper over the prowlers because it has less primary stability, (that "sitting table flat in the water" feel), but more secondary stability. In other words, the farther you lean the boat over, the more stable it is. As a result of that, combined with the way you sit more "in" the boat than "on" it, gives me much more control in side wind and waves.
As you've learned, the hardest part by far about paddling in surf is landing, not launching. Basically, you want to stay out a bit and watch the sets. Find the largest wave of a set and chase it up the beach. Don't get in front of it and try to surf it unless you know how. Once you've chased the biggest wave up the beach, get off your boat and pull it up and out of the surf.
If you pick up a set of thigh straps for your boat, you can really brace agressively and do some cool stuff. I've used my 17' x 22" kayak and surfed right up to the beach. At the last moment, I'll let a wave turn me sideways, (broaching), and then side surf up the beach till I'm high and dry. Looks and feels wierd, but it's very effective. Even did it once in my 18' tandem with my kid skirted in the front cockpit.
Best advice you've gotten is to take the surfe zone class there at the yak shop!
Might not want to mention spearfishing there though. I got a few unpleasant looks that way once...
Ron.

[U/C Spearo]

Look forward to meeting you at the Triton meeting. Remember when returning thru the surf always make sure you unleash your paddle. You don,t want to get tangled up in that leash or snap a good paddle. Be safe