Getting in and out of a kayak is probably what most beginners fear the most. It can be awkward and challenging but here's how to do it with ease.
The key is keeping your weight low and centered.
At the dock -
- Untie the kayak and keep the line in your hand
- In shallow water you can lift your paddle vertically - set one end into the bottom of the water snug against the kayak side steady it. If you're in deeper water lay your paddle within reach and you'll use the dock edge to steady you.
- Sit on the dock edge dangling your legs over and balance the cockpit edge with your feet to line up your entry position - drop the tie line into the cockpit.
- Using the dock edge to steady you, swing one foot then quickly the other into the center of the cockpit - quickly crouch down - then sit.
- Take your paddle in your hand, rest it across the cockpit and adjust the tie line so it won't drag when you paddle.
Congratulations! You're in and ready to paddle!
Upon return, exiting is basically the same in reverse -
- Take the tie line in your hand
- Use your paddle to steady the kayak against the dock, if shallow enough place it vertically onto the bottom - or lay the paddle on the dock.
- Grab the dock edge
- Crouch your weight in the center and stand
- Quickly swing your butt onto the dock
- Swing your legs out
- Tie the line to the dock - done!
At the water's edge
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TIP: In shallow water, you can lift your paddle vertically, (as described above) setting one end on solid ground snug against the kayak side to steady it. Keeping your weight in the center - use the paddle shaft as a "crutch" to enter and exit.
Getting in and out of a kayak - mystery solved. NOW, how do you paddle? Find out here: Paddling Techniques.
