How to Get Into a Kayak With 3 Touch Points

Because a kayak moves around when placed on the water, many beginners feel unstable getting into one. That instability might cause the kayak to capsize, tossing the paddler into the drink. To increase stability, to make it easier to enter the kayak and to prevent entry capsizes, use three touch points, known as points of contact, when entering your kayak from the shore or a dock. For this method, you use your paddle as an outrigger and get into the kayak as quickly as you can.

Things You'll Need

  • Paddle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the boat on the water and parallel to the shore.

    • 2

      Hold your kayak paddle behind you and perpendicular to the boat.

    • 3

      Grab the back of the cockpit coaming with one hand while still holding onto the paddle shaft. This makes one point of contact.

    • 4

      Place the opposite blade's backside on the beach. This creates the second point of contact.

    • 5

      Stoop down as if sitting on an imaginary chair. Your feet on the beach form the third point of contact.

    • 6

      Keep your weight centered over the paddle shaft and pushing down on the blade on the beach while you lift one leg into the kayak. Follow with the other leg.

    • 7

      Slide your legs into the kayak.

    • 8

      Bring your paddle in front of you and paddle away from the beach.