depending on the wave spacing (closer is better for this) you can get up on the wave tops and run. Sometimes going faster is better than going slower, cause if you go slow, you fall into the troughs. However, true 4' waves you aint gonna be able to do this. Your best bet is to then surf the waves or try to go across to sheltered shore so you can run. You were smart in buying an allison, so be smart in running the waves. It is amazing how many guys i have out run by thinking about the wind and waves then running across to the opposite shoreline, while the other guys go out and beat themselves up by heading straight for the spot