When people think of Nova Scotia, surfing often isn't one of the first things that comes to mind. Surfing in Nova Scotia is a year round event for some hearty locals. Dead of winter, snow, freezing spray and -11C air, sure the waves look sweet! Not interested in freezing? Good news, spring is here.
Tuesday, May 31st was a beautiful sunny day in Nova Scotia. As I left work, I got a text from my friend Clifton Pratt, some people were heading out to catch the last of some waves that were formed by a previous offshore storm. The Magic Seaweed report showed under 2 meter swells so we headed out with our longboats and a Stand Up Paddle board. We use the term longboat for our sea kayaks, which range in length from 15 feet up to 18 feet. This is in comparison to long boards which peak out around 15 feet long. We also have the advantage of paddles which allow us to get up to speed and maintain it on the face of a wave. Once the waves get over 2 meters our limited maneuverability can result in end-over-end flips and general carnage rather then smooth rides.
Tuesday, May 31st was a beautiful sunny day in Nova Scotia. As I left work, I got a text from my friend Clifton Pratt, some people were heading out to catch the last of some waves that were formed by a previous offshore storm. The Magic Seaweed report showed under 2 meter swells so we headed out with our longboats and a Stand Up Paddle board. We use the term longboat for our sea kayaks, which range in length from 15 feet up to 18 feet. This is in comparison to long boards which peak out around 15 feet long. We also have the advantage of paddles which allow us to get up to speed and maintain it on the face of a wave. Once the waves get over 2 meters our limited maneuverability can result in end-over-end flips and general carnage rather then smooth rides.
We spent easily over three hours on the waves, long enough that I lost count of the number of surfs that I caught. Some of the more spectacular rides included a stern-stall while back-surfing. This happened when my stern hit the sandy bottom slowing down my boat and pitched the bow straight up in the air. This can be a rather risky trick in a sea kayak, if you don't properly edge and recover from it you can end up going head over heels. Clifton in the Green P&H sea kayak also got some amazing tube rides, an amazing experience! It wasn't an all Kayak show, however, Greg on the stand up paddle board got some sweet surfs and nice catastrophic bails on breaking waves.
As the water warms up and summer comes upon us, the surfing will only get better and better. I am looking forward to many more after work sessions in Lawrencetown beach. If you find yourself in Nova Scotia, grab a surfboard and a wet suit and join us on the waves!
As the water warms up and summer comes upon us, the surfing will only get better and better. I am looking forward to many more after work sessions in Lawrencetown beach. If you find yourself in Nova Scotia, grab a surfboard and a wet suit and join us on the waves!
All video taken with a ContourHD helmet cam set on 60FPS with a waterproof housing, surfing is an inherently dangerous sport please always observe proper safety precautions and never try to go out into water that is beyond your skill level.
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