Surf kayaking is sport which involves surfing in the ocean using a kayak. Surf Kayaking was initially developed as a recreational activity which later turned into a sport of its own right. The sport has a lot of similarities to surfing using a surfboard, the only difference being the type of equipment used. Surf kayaking is steadily gaining popularity over the last several years in the United States and Europe.
The major equipment required for surf kayaking are, surf kayaks and paddles. Several types of specially designed kayaks are used, of which the ones with a three fin thruster are the most common. The kayaks are made of either rotomolded plastic or composite glass material. The paddles used are double sided, which is usually between 1.6 to 2.3m long. Mostly feathered blades are used which allows it to pass smoothly through the waves. Paddles are usually made of fiberglass or carbon fiber material.
In Surf kayaking competitions, each ride is judged for the quality of moves made within a specific time limit, and are awarded points. The surfer with the most number of points wins the race.
The World Surf Kayak Championships is a major annual international competition conducted for the sport which is held in different cities around the world. The Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival is another popular competition conducted annually.