If you are new to kayaking, one of the first things you need to learn is how to get in and out of a kayak. This can be a challenging task, and it’s important to know the proper techniques to avoid falling into the water while paddling. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to get in and out of a kayak, which should be useful for kayakers of all skill levels.
Finding a suitable location
One of the most important parts of getting in and out of a kayak is finding the right location. You should try to find a calm, flat water surface, a dock, or an even shore to launch your kayak from. Once you gain more experience in kayaking, you can try more complex locations. However, if you are a beginner, it’s recommended to go kayaking with an experienced person who can help you if you encounter any problems.
How to Get into a Kayak: from the Water
Knowing how to get in and out of a kayak is a crucial skill that can save your life in difficult situations. Here are the steps to get into a kayak from the water:
Step 1: Stay Calm
If you fall into deep water while kayaking, don’t panic. It can be a scary experience, but panicking will only increase your risk. Instead, stay calm and remember your strategy. If necessary, call for help.
Step 2: Hold on to Your Paddle
When you’re in the water, try to hold onto your paddle. If you lose your paddle, you won’t be able to control your kayak effectively. Keep your paddle somewhere safe, such as with another member of your group or in the storage compartment of your kayak.
Step 3: Right Your Kayak
If your kayak overturns during kayaking and starts filling with water, try to flip it over as quickly as possible. You can use two techniques: pushing or pulling. Pushing involves placing your hand under the kayak and pushing it upside down, while pulling requires you to kick your feet and use your body weight to pull the kayak upwards. If your kayak is filled with water, you need to return to shore and empty it out.
Step 4: Pull Yourself Back In
To get back into your kayak, first, position yourself in front of the seat and next to the kayak. Make sure you have control of your paddle and enter the kayak the right way. Hold the closest end of the kayak and pull yourself towards the cockpit. Once your stomach is over the cockpit, lean backwards until you hit the back seat. Finally, lift your legs into the kayak and grab your paddle.
How to get into a Kayak: From the Water’s Edge or Dock
It is easier to enter a kayak from the water’s edge or dry-dock than to enter a kayak from water.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Kayak Is Lined Up
Before getting into your kayak, ensure that it’s properly aligned with the shore. You can ask someone to help stabilize your kayak if you’re a beginner.
Step 2: Use Your Paddle as a Brace
If your kayak is high on the deck, use your paddle as a brace when getting into the kayak. Place your paddle in such a way that it bridges the back of the cockpit and the ground.
Step 3: Assume the Position
Sit next to your kayak, with one hand on the paddle and the other on the ground for support. Move towards the cockpit, keeping your body close to the kayak. After entering the cockpit, transfer your weight to the seat and slide into the back seat. Here is a video to help you understand:
How to Get out of a Kayak: Onto a Dock or Shallow Water
Getting out of the kayak to land and getting out of the kayak into the water is amazingly easy.
Step 1: Secure Your Kayak
If you are in the post, you must be sure that you are standing next to the wing and pressing hard. You can protect yourself if you have to a kayak line on your kayak. If you are kayaking with a group, be sure to ask another member of the group for help when you get out of the kayak so that he or she can keep your kayak stable.
If you want to get off the kayak to the ground, place yourself next to the kayak along the arrow, and use your paddle.
Step 2: Steady Yourself
Use your paddle if you are on the water’s edge. Place the paddle behind the cockpit so that one end is on the shore and the other end is on the kayak. This will help keep your kayak stable. If you have a call, put a hand on the call and stay still.
Step 3: Climb Out
If you are in the mail, place your hand on the mail and turn your body towards the mail. Swivel your back to the edge of the dock and press your arm with your weight on your shoulder. Pull your legs up from the kayak as you move to the ground.
If you are on the water’s edge, you may have nothing to draw on. If you don’t have anything, use your kayak paddle to pull towards yourself.
Use a brace to keep your body away from the seat and keep both hands on the paddle as the paddle extends from the back of the cockpit. Then carefully compromise your balance.
Once your feet are on the ground, move your weight to that floor and move away from the kayak.
Pingback: How To Get Out Of A Kayak With Bad Knees - Globo Guide Kayaks