I am including an overall explanation of these topics 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.

TIP: To learn more about paddle floats, float lines, paddle leashes, hand pumps and other safety equipment click here.

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 with a hand pump.

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.

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

Finally, I will repeat myself, overturn and towing maneuvers are learned and practiced with instruction when you enroll in a kayaking class.

After learning the kayaking basics, if this looks like the kind of fun you want to have, find a kayaking class in your area that teaches self and assisted rescue. You can find one right here.

From "Overturn and Towing", back to Home Page