How to Enter a Narrow Kayak

There is a technique to entering any kayak, but getting into a narrow kayak requires a different and altogether more complex process of steps. The advantage to a narrow kayak is that it will track --- or go in a straight line --- better than a wide-hulled kayak. Narrow kayaks are also ordinarily faster than wide-hulled kayaks because what is lost in width can be added in hull length --- which equals speed --- without adding additional weight.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit with your bottom on the stern of the kayak, behind the cockpit, with both feet resting on the seat. Place your hands beside your knees on the cockpit rim. Scoot forward and slip both feet into the bow of the boat in front of the seat.

    • 2

      Tilt your hips to the right and keep your left leg bent. Straighten and slide your right leg into the boat until your toe touches the foot peg or bulkhead --- depending on the kind of kayak you have. Slide your right hip under the hip pad and bend your right knee until your thigh slides under the thigh brace.

    • 3

      Tilt your hips to the left as you straighten your left leg. When your left foot makes contact with the foot peg or bulkhead, bend your knee and slide your thigh under the thigh pad. Lean to the left and slide your left hip into the hip pad. Straighten your feet and push off the foot pegs or bulkhead to ease your bottom back in the seat, hence, pushing your back up against the back band.