Virginia Beach Surf Kayakers
VBSK Paddler Spotlight

Current VBSK Spotlight:  Jerry Singer        
Age:  48 (but tries not to look it)        
Joined VBSK:  July 7, 2004
 Occupation:  Physician (surgical pathologist)
Growin Up:  Native New Yorker, Norfolk resident for 18 years, plan on staying
                     here. Am still in my childhood, so most of it has been spent here.


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VBSK: How long of you been paddle surfing?
Jerry:   About 5 years.


VBSK:  What type of paddle craft do you ride? (ie - craft(s), manf, model, length, width, color...other)

Jerry:  I have my original Mega Cyclone (a.k.a. "Frankenstein" due to it's learning curve scars) which I just gave to my brother; a new X-tech carbon/kevlar spheretex layup Cyclone
             (my favorite boat); and a Mega Air Force. The latter two are finned craft.
 
 
VBSK:  Where is your favorite surfing spot (locally and overal)l?
Jerry:  Locally I enjoy Croatan (particularly off season) since it's only 23 minutes from my house. I surf Buxton and Hatteras whenever I can, which are my favorite spots. 
              It's a totally different ocean from Va Beach down there with a whole lot more power.
 
VBSK:  How did you become involved with paddle surfing? (please elaborate)
Jerry:  5 years ago we were at Hatteras and my brother talked me into taking my Perception Acadia (!!!), a recreational boat, into the surf. We didn't die, so continued on
              from there with whitewater boats (Jive 8'10"), and then onto composite boats over the next couple of years.
 
VBSK:  What's your most memorable paddle surfing experience? (brief story or awards earned - try to frame the moment!)
Jerry:  I've had several: my first paddle surf competition at the Outer Banks 4 years ago in my Jive 810 was a lot of fun and a real experience as to what surf kayaks were capable of.
             When I watched the ranked guys in the composite boats compete, it kept making me think " I want to be able to do that!". Two years ago I was surfing my Cyclone on a big
             (overhead) day in Hatteras  on a break with a couple of boardies with a good vibe going, when a big wave caught me inside.  As I tried to paddle over it it broke just as I was
             at the crest, and it looped me over backwards 180 degrees.  Somehow I landed upright on the face of the wave and actually rode it in, and began carving it up. The boardies
             were all cheering me and thought I did it on purpose, and said "That was awesome! Do that again!". I thought I was going to die.
 
VBSK:  What do you enjoy most about paddle surfing?
Jerry:  The challenge of finding harmony in chaos, and the intensity of the moment that precludes everything else,
              that makes for a great ride. I just like being out on the water either
             alone or with a couple of friends and having fun and enjoying nature, and the exhilaration of working a 
             wave. Nothing else exists at that moment and it's truly beautiful.

 


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VBSK:  Where do you see the future of paddle surfing?
Jerry:  I think good etiquette and a friendly attitude will take the sport far.  I plan on doing it as long as I can.
 
VBSK:  What is your opinion on the battle of supremacy between surf kayaks and waveskis?
Jerry:  I have 11 kayaks living at my house, and usually paddle 150 days a year, and love paddling ocean, river, bay, and lake. I have not yet tried a waveski, so I can't really make a
             good comparison. But I sure do like outfitting a boat to make it one with my body, and I think I'd miss that level of tightness and control that I have with a kayak. Besides, don't
             most waveskiers think a roll is something you have with breakfast?
 
VBSK:  Any advice to beginner paddle surfers?
Jerry:  One, have good paddling and bracing skills before you take on the ocean,
              otherwise it will eat your lunch. Two, when first learning, practice away from other
             surfers and innocent bystanders. Good safety equpment (pfd and helmet) is best
             purchased BEFORE you need it. Three, learn surf etiquette, be friendly, and
             maintain a good vibe out there. Realize the advantage inherent in paddlecraft and
             don't be a wave hog. And above all, be safe and paddle within your limits.

 


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VBSK: Do you know any good, maybe local Virginia Beach Surf Kayaking clubs. If so, would you care to say a few good words about that club!?
Jerry:  VBSK has brought together the surf paddling community in a great way. I used to think I was the only surf paddler out there, until I met the rest of this crew, who I really enjoy
              paddling with. What a nice bunch of folks! Kudos to Dave for bringing it all together.

 


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