How to Mount a Kayak

Getting into your kayak, or "mounting" into the kayak takes a bit of dexterity and balance. There is no "one-set-way" of mounting the kayak but there are certain tips that prevent unwanted rolls and "wet-exits." A typical paddler has three different ways they mount a kayak: from a dock or structure, from the shore, and from the water. Each of these has a balance technique to ensure a smooth mount. When paddling, wear a PFD, the Personal Flotation Device, and proper water gear.

Things You'll Need

  • PFD
  • Paddle
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Instructions

  1. Dock Mounting

    • 1

      Bring the kayak parallel to the dock and hold it with your foot in the cockpit. Squat down and sit on your butt next to the kayak, facing forward as you would in the kayak.

    • 2

      Place the paddle behind you with the blades facing up. Place one blade on the dock and extend the paddle shaft behind the cockpit. With the hand nearest the kayak, grip the shaft and the cockpit combing at the back of the cockpit. The paddle secures the kayak next to the dock.

    • 3

      Slide your legs into the cockpit and slowly lower yourself into the cockpit, keeping your body low until in the boat. Bring the paddle up in front and push off the dock.

    Shore Mounting

    • 4

      Place the kayak half in the water and half on shore, facing out. Place the kayak paddle behind the kayak cockpit and on the space next to the combing.

    • 5

      Place a hand on the shaft extending out from the kayak pushing it down so the blade is firm on the ground. Grip the shaft at the combing behind the cockpit to secure thew kayak in the upright position.

    • 6

      Sit with half your bum over the kayak and the other half on the paddle shaft. Slide the legs into the cockpit and then slide the body into the kayak. Bring the paddle in front of you and push off into the water.

    Water Mount

    • 7

      Turn the kayak right-side up so the cockpit is up and out of the water. Swim to the rear of the kayak. Slide the paddle into the front deck bungees prior to going to the back.

    • 8

      Stay low in the water and begin to kick with your feet and "crawl" up the back of the kayak. Once on the deck, let the feet hang over the sides and kick on the opposite side of any lean in the kayak to prevent flipping.

    • 9

      Slide to the cockpit and turn to slide the legs into the cockpit. Stay as low as possible on the boat. Once the legs are in, turn over and let the torso fit into the cockpit.