Some very good advice above. I would like to highlight the idea of STUDYING THE WAVES/BREAK and watch for patterns. To be honest, the BEST help is the ability to TIME your exit through the surf. OF course, it it imperative to get your boat ready and decide what take will have the slight advantage. Rarely if ever is the wind coming directly onshore so go with the best tack for the most speed through the surf.

Sooooo...

1. Prepare your cat for the launch. Get it in the water at the last spot you have some control.

2. Plan your push for the best power and boat entry so it will be smooth and fluid.

3. Before this big push, and most importantly, wait for the big set to come through where there is a slight LULL. This is extremely important in difficult situations and can make or break. Above info is right on. Watch the patterns and when the set comes through, start the big push as the lastbit of white water is heading your way.

4. When that lull is evident, push like fiends and get on ready to trim, heading at the right angle for the best wind and most speed exit. Dont put rudders all the way down locked for obvious reasons as gettting pushed back on locked blades is sure way to ruin your day. Just put them down enough for control and some steering (sometimes, weatherhelm can be a beast if it's blowing).

5. Go for Proper trim and speed and make sure bows are aiming if not STRAIGHT thru, then at a slight angle. Avoid getting broadside at ALL costs.

6. As a swell is approaching, move your weight FORWARD toward the crossbar so to transfer energy FORWARD as the wave hits. If needed, HOLD ON as sometimes the water covers the boat. As soon as the wave passes try to get going again. A major sin is letting the wave push you BACK and on the WRONG tack. This is that no mans zone.

It really takes practice and good timing and the more you get to lean the surf, which changes in all conditions, the better you get. Still, there is luck involved.

Lastly, if the conditions are horrid, DONT GO OUT. It's better to get more experience and save the boat then attempt it in a no go situation. One only has to remember the Jensen Beach beauty in the Worrell a few years back, a carnage inducer for sure.

One last thought, if you are a good swimmer, sometimes in certain instances, I have jumped back off the boat, swimming the bows thru the surf. I admit, this is a rare thing but it has gotten me out of a few sticky situations.

kh