How to Enter a Kayak in Open Water

Being able to enter a kayak in open water is a required skill for any paddler. After a capsize, it is vital that the paddler get out of the water quickly to prevent exhaustion and hypothermia. Hypothermia sets in when you're losing body heat faster than it can be replenished. This can happen even in warm water.
This article discusses two methods of open-water entry: One entails using a paddle float; the second does not.

Things You'll Need

  • A kayak.
  • A kayak paddle
  • A kayak paddle-float
  • A bilge pump
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Instructions

  1. Using a paddle-float

    • 1

      Always fasten the paddle-float to the kayak so it is easy to get to and secure enough that it will not wash off in the waves or be blown off by wind.

    • 2

      If the kayak has capsized, flip it back over.

    • 3

      Completely inflate the paddle-float.

    • 4

      Attach the paddle-float to the paddle by sliding it onto a paddle blade and securing it in place with the quick-release buckle.

    • 5

      With the paddle-float in the water, hold the paddle against the kayak deck behind the cockpit, creating an outrigger. The paddle and kayak will form a "T."

    • 6

      Reach across the deck with your free hand. Kick your legs and pull your torso onto the rear deck.

    • 7

      Wrap your legs around the paddle shaft, hooking your ankles near the paddle-float.

    • 8

      Swing one leg, then the other, into the cockpit. You will be facing the rear of the kayak.

    • 9

      As you twist around to face the front, lower yourself to the seat.

    • 10

      Secure the paddle while using the bilge pump to pump out any water left inside.

    • 11

      Remove the paddle-float and stow it where it was.

    Without a paddle-float

    • 12

      If the kayak has been capsized, flip the boat back over.

    • 13

      Swim to the side of the kayak, toward the rear.

    • 14

      Grab the back of the cockpit rim with one hand and reach across the rear deck with the other.

    • 15

      Launch yourself out of the water onto the rear deck, using your legs to kick and your upper body to pull.

    • 16

      Keeping yourself as low as possible, swing one leg across the rear deck to straddle the kayak.

    • 17

      Slide forward while holding the cockpit rim until your hips are over the seat.

    • 18

      Lower your bottom to the seat.

    • 19

      Bring one leg at a time into the cockpit.

    • 20

      Secure the paddle while using the bilge pump to pump out the water.