Basic Surf Safety From Tom Holtey:

Tips on helmets, kneestraps, leash & seatback use
for whitewater, surfing, rock gardens & seacaves.

Helmets are just plain common sense. No matter how great a paddler you are, don't go surfing or playing around rough shore lines without protective headgear. Helmets are available at most kayak shops. Make sure it fits properly and is comfortable or you will avoid wearing it when you need it the most.

Saftey in Surf is very important.
#1 Wear a helmet and Life Vest!!! Every time!
#2 Uses knee straps
#3 Use a paddle leash

The helmet will protect you from you own eqipment in most cases. The life vest will also protect your ribs as well as float you.

*When riding the surf you are going to wipe out and capsize regularly. When you do, follow these steps:
Hold on tightly with your legs to the knee straps.

*Tuck your head and body to your legs, kind of like a crash position.

*Keep both hands on the paddle shaft and aline the shaft along the left side of your kayak with one blade to the bow and the other to the stern.

Now you are ready to tumble in the surf. You have protected your face and belly, and you are now in a pre eskimo roll position. Even if you do not know how to roll, the wave may roll you up right while in this posture, and a quick brace will put you back on top.

If this fails, from a violent wave or you run out of air, keep holding on to the paddle leash to maintain control of your kayak. If the wave pulls realy hard, hold with one or both hands near one blade of the paddle to streamline your self.

TIPS: Attach the paddle leash to the bow handle of the kayak. A good back rest can act like a knee strap for your butt to further hold you in place. It really helps to scout out your surf zone carefully to find rip currents, rocks, reefs and sand bars. I have surfed alot solo, but a buddy sure is nice to have.