How to Get Back in a Kayak After Falling Out

When sea kayaking or kayak touring, wet exits -- unexpected flips where you leave the cockpit -- require that you know how to get back into the kayak after the exit. One of the most effective methods of re-entry is the paddle-float self-rescue. A paddle float turns the paddle into a sponson that you crawl up and over to re-enter the cockpit. Learn and practice this technique in a pool. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) whenever you kayak.

Things You'll Need

  • Paddle
  • Paddle float
  • PFD
  • Kayak pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Do not let go of your paddle upon falling out of the kayak. Swim to the side of the kayak and turn it over so it is right side up, even if full of water. Tread water next to the kayak, just behind the cockpit.

    • 2

      Pull a paddle float off the kayak deck. Smart places to store the paddle float are under the bungee cords on the front or back side of the kayak deck. Unscrew the inflating tube and slide the paddle into the float's paddle sleeve. Push the paddle blade into the sleeve.

    • 3

      Blow into the tube and inflate the paddle float. The float turns into a rectangular balloon and as it inflates, the paddle blade becomes snug in the sleeve. Screw the tube cap closed and slide the other blade on the paddle under the rear bungee cords behind the cockpit. The paddle extends perpendicular to the kayak with the paddle float on the water, preventing the kayak from turning back over.

    • 4

      Slide your left leg over the paddle and grip the shaft with both hands. Kick out with your right leg and partially swim up into the cockpit while pulling yourself up with the paddle shaft. Stay low to the cockpit and let your legs and body slide into it without sitting upright.

    • 5

      Sit against the seat once you're all the way in the cockpit, and then grip the pump. Pump the water from the cockpit and lean toward the paddle float while doing so. The paddle float is a sponson that keeps the kayak upright while you pump out the boat, returning stability to the craft.

    • 6

      Retrieve the paddle float and deflate it. Put in back under the kayak bungees and continue your trip.