A rookies perspective on climbing back into a kayak.

I spent a lot of time this afternoon falling out of a perfectly good boat.

I really worked a few techniques. Some were exhausting, some resulted in me flipping the kayak, some I ended up falling off the other side.

First, I have a Hobie Compass. I added a small T-handle at the H-track for a good grip point.   Tip:  I bought a $4 handle used for pull starting a small gas-motor.

What worked for me.  Know your boats grab points. Then hold the boat and kick your feet to the surface. Like your pushing a swim board. Once your floating up on the surface, start pulling onto the boat. Keep kicking.   Go until your belly button is centered over the boat.  Now here is the key: stop moving and calm down. Let everything settle.  You, the boat, your HR, etc.   once things have settled.  Roll over on your butt. 

I’m not sure I even need my extra t-handle. Trying to “swim cross the top of the boat”, your hand on your near side of the boat seems to be doing most the work.

I also practiced flipping an overturned kayak back up.  Fairly easy.  Just try to climb on and grab the other side.. IT rolls over automatically. Because you are not trying to swim across the top. 

I think occasional practice is key. Especially if you add accessories to the kayak.  It would suck to realize too late you blocked yourself with the fish finder.   

I hope this helps another rookie.

Good practice and it may save your life someday.  Also, always wear a life jacket.  Self rescue and common sense is all you need 99% of time.  The other 1% is when having a radio and GPS on top of the first two items can save your life.

Good practice and it may save your life someday.  Also, always wear a life jacket.  Self rescue and common sense is all you need 99% of time.  The other 1% is when having a radio and GPS on top of the first two items can save your life.

Radio, gps and a buddy. 

I spent a lot of time this afternoon falling out of a perfectly good boat.

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I hope this helps another rookie.

This should help some non-rookies too, like me. I’ve been meaning to practice...

Nice work getting out to practice. Ideally getting in and out of your kayak is no big deal, so you don't even need to think about it when things go bad.

On hot days it would be nice to take a dip. Sucked if you couldn’t get back on.

The idea of swimming across the kayak is super helpful!

As I realize how broke I am here's a trick I picked up from the sailboating community.

Use a cooler as a step to help you onto the boat.

I keep a Igloo Island Breeze 9-Quart Cooler - 10$ since it has a taller handle to use as an emergency step. It fits in the weird spot on my torque and is lashed on with a 3 ft bungie cord. Slam it on your foot drive, step and let the buoyancy give you a bit of resistance to get you 90 degrees to the boat. Doubles as my dirty bait cooler as well so its not a waste of space.

This is only really required in an emergency self recovery but if you're cold and tired and hanging off your boat solo its a life saver.

As I realize how broke I am here's a trick I picked up from the sailboating community.

Use a cooler as a step to help you onto the boat.
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I don't get it...

Falling out is inevitable. Lol. I’m pretty new myself and have crossed the line of stability. My BIL went over Saturday evening at a local lake, lost a rod. We went back out Sunday and did some dragging with a large treble hook. On my last attempt before giving up I snagged it. Moral of the story, if it doesn’t float, it better be attached in some way or another. 

As I realize how broke I am here's a trick I picked up from the sailboating community.

Use a cooler as a step to help you onto the boat.
...

I don't get it...

He’s saying.  Get your ice chest floating next to you.  Step into the ice chest handle, and “step it” down to try to submerge it.  The added buoyancy should help boost you back into the kayak.   I’ve seen I guy use his life vest like this.    I do question the logic of removing a life vest. 

Nice work!

I think occasional practice is key. Especially if you add accessories to the kayak.  It would suck to realize too late you blocked yourself with the fish finder.   

X 100.

Practice makes perfect and getting back on the yak quickly is probably one of the most important skills we can have, and really should be second nature/automatic for all of us.

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

good on you for practicing - it's a necessary skill. I recently got a fast, narrow sit inside sea kayak to get back to paddling instead of pedaling sometimes for exercise. Practicing with it has me now carrying a paddle float with me on the Hobie as an added safety feature. Look up how to use one as it can help a lot - especially if you're tired.



Cheers,
Brad

good stuff 

good on you for practicing - it's a necessary skill. I recently got a fast, narrow sit inside sea kayak to get back to paddling instead of pedaling sometimes for exercise. Practicing with it has me now carrying a paddle float with me on the Hobie as an added safety feature. Look up how to use one as it can help a lot - especially if you're tired.



Cheers,
Brad

awesome.

i think this technique should be considered when rescuing/assisting someone with your own kayak.  i see people trying to hold the guys kayak steady while they are climbing aboard.  i think instead:  let them do a toe-hook on your kayak and use it like that paddle float to get their body horizontal..then they simply slide onto their own boat.  i think it would work awesome.