At one time or another, every kayaker has had problems trying to get in or out of a kayak. However, that doesn’t mean that they are any less embarrassed when it happens to them. There are many things you can do to lower your risk of ending up in the water. Even then, it will come down to practice and mainly luck. Don’t be scared to get started. Here are some tips for how to get in and out of a kayak with ease.
How to Get Into A Kayak in 8 Easy Steps
Step 1: Find a stable place to get into the kayak. You should find a calm, stable area to place the kaya in the water. Make sure there are no sharp rocks and that there are no waves. Shallow water is the best option.
Step 2: Slide your kayak into the water. Place your kayak inches away from the water with the bow facing the water. Push the kayak into the water from back making sure that the cockpit is in shallow enough water that you can stand next to it.
Step 3: Stand next to the kayak. Make sure you have your paddle before approaching the kayak. Walk along one side while holding the kayak in place so it doesn’t drift away. Stop once you standing next to the cockpit.
Step 4: Brace the kayak. You will need to stabilize the kayak before you can get inside. Set the paddle down in between the seat and the back of the cockpit. Put your farthest hand on the far side of the paddle and your closest hand on the paddle close to you. Wrap your hand around the paddle and the cockpit rim. Hold the kayak steady.
Step 5: Put one leg into the kayak. While keeping the kayak steady with your hands, swing one leg into the cockpit while keeping the other foot firmly on the ground.
Step 6: Sit on the kayak. You will only be half way into the kayak at this point but you can still sit down to keep the kayak steady. Keep your hands in place and slowly set your butt on the back of the cockpit.
Step 7: Put the other leg into the kayak. Continue to keep the kayak steady with your hands and lean backwards slightly while pushing your foot into the bottom of the kayak. Bring your other foot out of the water and slide it into the cockpit.
Step 8: Sit inside the kayak. Once you have both feet inside the cockpit, keep the kayak steady and slip the rest of your body into the kayak until your butt is firmly in the seat.
Tip: There is more than one way to get into a kayak. Other options include getting into the kayak on shore and pushing yourself into the water or getting in from the side of a low dock.
How to Get Out of a Kayak in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Steady the kayak. Make sure the kayak is steady and secure. It should be in a shallow area with calm water and no rocks. It can also help to push the kayak up onto the shore.
Step 2: Lift your body out. Use both hands to grab the side of the cockpit and steady the kayak with your hands. Lift your butt out of the kayak and sit on the back edge of the kayak.
Step 3: Lift your legs out. You can either swing both legs out of the kayak at the same time or lift them out one at a time. Once your legs are out of the kayak, you can place them on the ground and stand up. Congrats! You made it out of your kayak!!
