Surf Kayaking: The Essential Guide

A comprehensive guide to the sport of surf kayaking for all abilities of paddler and those thinking of taking up the sport.

World Champion Simon Hammond first started surf kayaking as a young member of his local scout troop in Bude, North Cornwall. Simon still remembers those early days where he and his friends spent more time swimming than kayaking!

As a young boy Simon watched paddlers competing in slalom kayaks and shoes but his first surf craft turned out to be an Australian designed Raider surf ski. He has a passion for most sports and as a teenager enjoyed surfing, rock climbing and rugby but it was on a ski that he showed his real potential by reaching the finals of the English Open in his very first competition.

Simon and his wife Nicola returned to Bude after their college years and took over the family business Shoreline Outdoor Pursuits. As the business has developed so has their coaching experience with Simon now coaching outdoor pursuits and teaching physical education at the local school.

A return to surf competition in the late 90’s coincided with Simon developing as a top BCU level 5 surf kayak coach. During his trip to the 2001 Worlds in Santa Cruz he recognised the qualities that made Kenny King World Champion. On the West coast of Ireland in 2003 it was a very focused and confident Simon Hammond that won heat after heat on his own way to becoming the World number one.

Simon is a regular contributor of articles to the Canoeing press and this is his first book.