Matt

Matt has always been on and around the water. Kayaking was a natural fit once he left the coast for the mountains. After nearly two decades of teaching, guiding, and competing in freshwater and saltwater he has a wealth of expertise to offer.

How to…..

……paddle up and over an oncoming wave on a SUP.

First, this is something to be working on after a fair amount of time has been spent on the board. There’s no point in getting frustrated trying to master this if you haven’t yet mastered simply paddling about in flatwater!

A relaxed stance is imperative. Most paddlers choose to have one foot in front of the other, the amount varies. I tend to stand with my right foot about 1 foot behind my left foot….I’m regular foot.

Things to have in mind:

• Be moving. Don’t sit and wait for the wave to come to you, paddle out to meet it!
• As the front of your board is hitting the most critical part of the wave you should be taking a big slow paddle stroke. Reach up to the highest point of the oncoming wave, dig in and slowly pull yourself through.
• Allow your legs to relax and your knees to act as shock absorbers, letting the waves slide underneath you as the board rides up and over it.
• Take another stroke and keep moving out!

In general for the most stability remember to always have the blade in the water doing something!

Surf Zone Kayak Clinic

This clinic is particularly aimed at kayak anglers, but it is appropriate for any kayaker who ventures into the surf zone, whether they fishing, touring, paddling a SOT or a decked boat. Matt Hudgens brings nearly two decades spent holding onto a paddle in the ocean and on rivers to bear as he helps you learn techniques and skills to safely maneuver through the surf zone on the way out and back in. If the waves are suitable, we’ll even cover some wave riding points and do a little surfing!

The flatwater strokes and techniques clinic is highly recommended as a prerequisite, as those strokes will be vital to success much of the time in the surf. A wetsuit and appropriate gear is mandatory.

This class meets at Good Clean Fun at 9 AM and goes through lunch until 1:30 or 2:00 PM. The cost is $95 w/o gear and $120 w/gear (gear includes kayak, paddle, PFD, and wetsuit.)

Flatwater Kayak Clinic

This clinic is intended to develop safe and efficient paddling techniques in order to prolong time on the water and minimize discomfort and the risk of injury. No matter what or why you paddle, you will benefit from this clinic. Taught by Matt Hudgens, the class meets at Coleman Beach in Morro Bay at 9 AM and goes through lunch until 1:30 or 2:00 PM. The cost of the clinic is $95 w/o gear or $120 w/gear (gear includes kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and wetsuit.)

In this class we will cover proper warm-up’s, technique for the forward stroke, sweep stroke, and a variety of draw strokes. Mastery of good technique for these strokes is elemental to having 100% control of your boat all the time. You will be amazed at what you can do, and how easy it is, when you are using your paddle well!

The class will also include re-entry practice, so dress for immersion!

For more information you can call the shop at (805)995-1993 or email matt@gcfsurf.com