How to Empty a Kayak

A kayak has an enclosed decks, but the cockpit is open to the elements. Waves, wind and splashing paddles usually fill your kayak with water. A small amount of water inside a kayak's hull makes it less stable and prone to rolling.

Things You'll Need

  • Bottle
  • Handheld bilge pump
  • Sponge
  • Muscle
  • Leverage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Paddle the kayak to the nearest shore or to shallow water. Do not lean excessively, because the kayak is unstable. Maintain even and slow paddle strokes. Ensure you are safe, and swim the kayak to shore if it rolls.

    • 2

      Stand near the shore with the kayak still in the water. Roll your kayak so the cockpit is out of the water. Use the kayak's own buoyancy to roll it over. The kayak typically rolls over when then cockpit breaks the surface of the water.

    • 3

      Point your kayak toward the shore, and drag it onto land. Attach a line to the bow, and pull it out of the water.

    • 4

      Pump the water out of the kayak with a manual bilge pump. Dip water from the hull with a large-mouthed water bottle if a bilge pump is not available. Remove water until the boat is light enough to be lifted from the stern.

    • 5

      Roll the kayak onto its side, and lift it from the stern. Rock the boat back and forth while raising and lowering the stern. This splashes any remaining water from the boat. Lift the boat by bending at your knees.

    • 6

      Roll the kayak back on its side. Soak the rest of the water out of the kayak with a sponge.