The Porpoise - Kayak Instruction Video

How about a new move that can be done on most class 2-3 whitewater rivers! This move is unique in that the goal is to get the boat to go under the water, instead of over it. The Porpoise is simply diving under the wave you are surfing on, then resurfacing back into a front surf on that wave. It is fun stuff if you like going underwater! Squirt boaters will like this one. How was the Porpoise discovered? Clay and I were playing on the top waves at Rock Island and we were working on Donkey Flips and Loops. Like a light bulb going off, it occurred to me that we go underwater pretty far when trying a loop. Several times I tried to abort mission in the middle of a lame loop attempt on this small, not very retentive wave and was able to pull the bow back up into a surf. So, before even trying it, I turned to Clay and said, “I have a new move!” Clay is the best person to show a new move to, because he is a hard ass on stuff like that. I surfed out and tried one, getting my head under and resurfacing, he just looked at me like that was no move. I tried it again going a little harder and deeper and he seemed at least interested. Then, I plugged it in hard like I was doing a loop and got the boat to pop right back out after going deep and he gave me the thumbs up. The thumbs up means, “congratulations, you’ve got a new move.”

Here is how you do it:

1.	Find a small slow, slightly breaking wave to learn. Practice getting to the top of the wave and dropping in straight as if you were going for a loop.
2.	Drop in fast for a loop leaning forward hard. When your bow touches water, push your feet down hard to plug the bow in.
3.	As soon as the water is up to your sprayskirt, throw your weight back on the back deck to stop the bow from dropping and create a wedge with your body for the water to rush over and push your stern under too.
4.	Once you feel like you are completely under, lift your knees to your chest pulling the bow back up and causing your boat to porpoise to the surface on the wave!

Troubleshooting:

1.	If you don’t get your bow under, you are being too cautious. Plug it like a loop.
2.	If you don’t get your body under you aren’t throwing your body back to make the wedge.
3.	If you ender off you are waiting too long to throw your body back.
4.	If you don’t pop up bow first, you aren’t pulling up on your knees fast and hard enough.

Give this one a try!!

View video of The Porpoise (1.65 MB, Windows Media Player 9 Required)

Whitewater Kayaking | Recreation and Touring Kayaks

Techniques

Beginner Moves

Intermediate Moves

Advanced Moves

The Porpoise - Kayak Instruction Video

JK Store