The difference between "Rope" and "Line"   
Before I begin - let me explain something peculiar . . . for some reason when you attach a rope to a boat, it becomes a "line". I don't know why, it just does. So when you hear another boater refer to a line (they mean rope attached to the boat)!

How do you get in and out of your kayak? The key is keeping your weight low and centered.

At a dock -

Untie the kayak and keep the line in your hand

lift your paddle vertically - take one end and set it into the bottom of the water, snug against the kayak side to steady it (if you're in deep water this method won't work)

sit on the dock edge dangling your legs over - balance the kayak cockpit edge with your feet to line up the cockpit center

swing one foot then quickly the other into the center of the cockpit (use the dock edge to steady yourself) - quickly crouch down - then sit

with the paddle in your hand, rest it across the cockpit and place the tie line inside the cockpit (make sure the line isn't dragging).

Congratulations - you're in and ready to paddle!

Upon return, exiting is basically the same

take the tie line in hand

use your paddle to steady the kayak against the dock

grab the dock edge

crouch your weight in the center and stand

swing your butt onto the dock

swing your legs out

remove the paddle - tie to dock line - done!

At the water's edge -

place your paddle shaft behind (or in front) of the cockpit opening, across the deck

holding the paddle shaft in place, gently lean on one side to let that paddle blade rest on the bottom - this will keep the kayak from wobbling

using the paddle shaft to steady you - quickly enter the center of the cockpit - crouch - then sit

then use your paddle to give you a shove off

. . .Easy huh?

Alternatively, 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.

Okay, now you're in, so how do you paddle? Find out here: Paddling Techniques.

About Stability

You'll hear the terms "initial stability" and "secondary stability". Here's what that's about.

Initial stability is the side to side movement. If your just learning how to kayak, you'll get used to the feel of this (initial) motion very quickly.

The secondary stability is the point at which a hull will flip (the point of no return). In other words; how far it will lean before overturning. After you get used to the initial stability you will understand that the "secondary stability" is far more important. This is the motion that limits your movement.

Things to really be aware of . . .

Learning how to kayak isn't all about technique. Here are some other things you should know about.

Sudden Weather Changes - It's worth repeating that before setting out to paddle - you should know the expected weather conditions and any forecasted changes. If the weather changes suddenly, a wind comes up or clouds form that threaten rain - you need to make appropriate safety decisions.

Cold Weather Paddling - It's wise to lean more about how to kayak and this type of paddling before attempting it - see Cold Weather Paddling.

Paddling Alone - There are varying opinions about paddling alone or with companions. There is no question however, that beginners should always paddle with a companion. For additional information on paddling alone - see Paddling Alone.

When the Wind comes Up - When learning how to kayak, the wind can pose particular challenges. On calm water even a brisk breeze can make it suddenly difficult to paddle. You will find yourself paddling like crazy but don't seem to be getting anywhere!

In this situation paddle at an angle to the wind and make your way closer to the shore line where you will find it easier to paddle. From there, you can paddle the perimeter of the area. This may take longer but you won't be as tired.

Here's a "how to kayak" tip to impress your friends - Tie a bright colored length of yarn to a point on the bow (about 6" will do) and you will always be able to see the direction of the wind.

Lightning is Frightening!  On golf courses they sound a safety signal to alert golfers that rain/lightning is approaching. On the water, there is no signal - you must be aware. When storm clouds suddenly appear - rain is likely and often lightning can accompany it.

Lightning is serious in open water. If you hear a rumble of thunder off in the distance - don't ignore it - it's likely headed your way. (While paddling with my brother one day, this situation occurred - we both found out just how fast we can paddle!) So do just that - paddle quickly to the nearest shore and seek the safest cover you can find until the storm passes. If you have an aluminum paddle (or other metal items) leave them a distance away from you until the storm passes.

Be Aware of Your Environment - what does this mean? If you are paddling in a location where motorized boats share the water, you should know the rules. Because you are in a paddle craft, it does not mean that you have the right of way. The Navigation Rules do not give any vessel the right of way. Instead - the circumstances determine who has the right of way.

To learn how to kayak safely, familiarize yourself with the rules - See: Navigational Rules of the Road - For International and Inland Waters. Now, that doesn't mean to memorize all these rules, but give them a look for an overall understanding.

There are some boaters who will operate a motorized water craft without a clue about the rules. Some will combine water sports with drinking alcohol. For these reasons, I factor in another rule ... the "are you sure the other guy knows the rules?" factor. You can usually spot them ... just watch their behavior. Access each circumstance - be vigilant and make appropriate safety decisions.

Know Your Level of Experience and that of your paddling companions. As a beginner you need to put in some time to "get the feel" of kayaking and practice safety. Putting your kayak in a dozen or so times does not qualify you for extreme paddling! Forego challenges you aren't ready for - instead, take it at your own pace - enjoy the journey!

Up-righting an overturned kayak - re-entering - and towing a kayak are more advanced skills that are learned from certified kayak instruction and practiced often. I am including an overall explanation here to introduce you to the concept only.

How to Upright an Overturned Kayak - this is something that takes skill and patience . . .

• First, place your body across the beam of the hull - with your arms on one side, your feet on the other
• Place your feet at approximately body width apart on one edge
• Place your hands a bit wide apart on the other side and grab the rim (or as close to it as you can)
• On the count of three . . . with all your strength - push down with your feet while pulling the cockpit rim to "flip it" until the kayak turns. This usually takes a few tries.

Now You're upright but its swamped! What to do?

If you have added kayak flotation to the fore and aft of your kayak - this will be easier. A solo kayaker can re-enter using a paddle float - (an inflatable or foam cushion attached to one of the paddle blades) to stabilize the kayak and provide assistance. The swimmer kicks to propel them self onto the deck - secure the paddle - grab the hand pump and bail out the water - then climb back into the cockpit. An assisted rescue utilizes a second kayak for stabilization instead of a paddle float.

This is really fun to practice with a partner - on a hot day - in a more shallow area.

Here's How To Tow Your Kayak -

If you cannot re-enter the cockpit - you will need to tow it. For the purpose of towing another paddler . . . carry a float line, about 20 feet in length with you. It helps to have "clips" on the ends, but they're not required.

If you or a partner capsizes, you will need to first upright the kayak (as described above) then bail as much water out of it that you can.

Fasten the tow line to one end of the kayak (preferably the bow) and clip or tie the other end around your waist. Since you cannot tow your partner inside the swamped kayak, they will have to swim along side holding onto the back of your kayak.

A slack line over the back of your kayak can assist a fatigued swimmer.

Now this will be slow going - but you will get to shore.

This is also fun to practice with a partner - preferably in shallow water and on a hot day!

Responsibility -

Knowing how to kayak also means your invited paddling friends and family are your responsibility. That's just the way it is folks! You have a duty to keep them safe and in control. Make sure they are instructed in safety - stay together and impress upon them the importance of respecting wildlife.

Now you know at least seven new things about how to kayak - how about that!

To learn more about how to kayak, check out some great Kayaking DVDs that can help you too - Click Here.
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