Unassisted Kayak Rescue Techniques

Kayaking has become a frequent activity for extreme water-sport enthusiasts. It is exhilarating at points, and calm and peaceful at others. Whether you kayak frequently or are going out for your first time, it is best to understand how to enjoy this sport safely. Learning the various techniques for unassisted or self-rescues is crucial in becoming competent with your kayak.

  1. Wet Exit

    • The wet exit is the most basic self-rescue and should be a minimum knowledge requirement for anyone getting into a kayak. After your kayak has capsized, lean forward, which may seem unnatural underwater. This will slide your bottom back and pinch your thighs together, thinning your body to easily slip out of the seat. With the momentum you have gathered from leaning forward, continue to roll until your hips and legs are fully out of the kayak. Right your kayak and get back in.

    Eskimo Roll

    • During an Eskimo roll, you will remain in the kayak. Once you feel your kayak begin to tip, roll your wrists forward and tuck your paddle parallel against the side of your kayak. Tuck your head against the shoulder nearest the side you are tipping. Lean with your body weight. Once you are completely capsized, flip your paddle perpendicular with the kayak. On the opposite side from which you rolled (the direction of your momentum), reach your paddle up to the surface of the water. While doing this thrust your hips in the same direction. This is the most important part of the Eskimo roll, shifting your hips to complete the roll.

    The Ladder

    • The ladder is a self-rescue performed after you have made a wet exit and you are out of your kayak in rough waters. Position yourself at the rear of your righted kayak. Hoist your upper body onto the boat. Continue to slide yourself up on your chest until reaching your seat. The ladder technique allows you to stabilize your kayak while returning to your seat.

    The Cowboy

    • The cowboy is performed after you have made a wet exit and are returning to your kayak. Approach the side of your kayak near your seat. Hoist your body onto the kayak until your abdomen is resting on the center of the kayak. This will center your body weight and keep the boat from tipping. In one fluid motion, rotate so that you are resting parallel on the boat. Get back into your seat from this position.