How to Stand Up in a Kayak

So you've paddled downstream for a while, and have a pretty good handle on the basics of steering and propelling yourself and your kayak in the water. You've found your balance in the boat while sitting, and now want to try something a bit more tricky. Perhaps you want to get a better view upstream, or a higher angle for a photograph. Either way, you're going to need to stand up in a boat designed to have minimal contact with the water. It's tricky but far from impossible.

Instructions

    • 1

      Grasp the sides of the kayak firmly with both hands for balance. Move your feet in toward your body so that you are almost squatting in the boat.

    • 2

      Rise using your hands to maintain your balance, slowly and moving deliberately. Begin shifting into a full squat.

    • 3

      Stand up slowly while maintaining a grip on the sides of the kayak. Your hands should be pulling up on the edge of the kayak while your legs are pushing down as you stand.

    • 4

      Maintain your grip on the side of the kayak until you are completely upright, in a position resembling the exercise where you touch your toes.

    • 5

      Begin to release your grip on the sides of the kayak and straighten your back. Try not to overcompensate for small shifts in your balance by rapidly shifting your weight from one foot to another. It's all about slow compensation, and small shifts, all located in your upper body.