Kayak Self-Rescue Techniques

Self-rescue, also known as wet-entry, techniques are very important to learn for kayak safety. Should you ever find yourself capsized out on the water, you will quickly realize how important it is to have learned and practiced rescuing yourself beforehand. Become comfortable performing these techniques by practicing with a buddy. Self-rescue proficiency is particularly crucial if you are kayaking in a cold water environment.

  1. Balance Point Method

    • According to Robert Finlay of Kayak Lake Mead, the balance point method of kayak self-rescue is the easiest and quickest to learn. To perform this technique, reach your arms over the kayak and grab on. You need to be aligning your center of gravity with the center of gravity of the kayak. This should be the point in the kayak where you sit. Kick away from the water and use your arms to pull the cockpit under you as you hoist yourself straight up onto the kayak. You are now lying across the kayak's cockpit on your belly. Pause here.
      Next, grab the edge of the cockpit and turn yourself over so you are sitting side saddle in the cockpit. Take a moment to gain your balance.
      Now lean back far enough to pull one leg into the kayak. Try to keep your center of gravity lined up with the middle of the boat as much as possible. Stop and balance when you have one leg in. Then lean back again and slowly pull your second leg into the kayak. You are now sitting fully in the kayak. This is the final balance point to this technique.
      It is very important to stay relaxed and not rush through these steps, even if you are distressed from capsizing. Calmly and slowly work through each step, pausing to stabilize and find your balance between each one.

    Paddle Float

    • Paddle floats are usually an inflatable bag composed of two chambers. Solid foam models are also available. In the event that you capsize, grab the float and slip it over one end of your paddle. Hold the bare end of the paddle across the back end of your kayak behind the cockpit while the floated end juts out into the water at a 90 degree angle from the kayak's center line. This creates an outrigger to stabilize the kayak while you climb back inside.
      Next, hold onto the back of the kayak while you swing one leg over the paddle and into the cockpit. You now have one leg on each side of the paddle with one in and one out of the kayak. Your head faces toward the back as you swing your other leg into the kayak.
      Now you are upside down (stomach down) with both legs in the cockpit. Roll yourself over toward the float, using its stabilizing effect to get right side up. Return the paddle to your lap.

    Sweep Roll

    • There are several rolling rescues but this one doesn't require a partner to perform. This technique assumes you are upside down in the kayak after capsizing. Start by doing a sit-up from under the water toward your left side. Holding your paddle, lift your arms up out of the water with your forearms pressed against the kayak. Cock your right wrist slightly to produce the correct angle for the paddle.
      Next, pull your right arm down, sweeping the paddle through the water and to your side. Keep the left arm bent near your side and keep the paddle sweep near the surface of the water. At the same time, keep your head down on the shoulder of the sweeping arm as you perform a "hip snap," which involves using your hip to put pressure against the side of the kayak to force it back over. The force of your hip pressing the kayak back over is the key to the roll.
      As you break the surface of the water, keep your head tilted over to the sweeping arm until you are completely up and stabilized.