BUDDY RESCUE

I agree with Krusty. I know, I know... armchair quarterbacking, but that guy's reentry technique was terrible.

Had he rolled toward his butt instead of crawling onto his stomach, as it looks like he was doing, he would have stayed on the kayak.

The best advice I got from the Class was to "swim" onto the kayak. Put my legs out behind me, horizontal to the surface (not pointing down), and then kick like I'm swimming while simultaneously "pulling" the kayak toward my chest.  WAY less effort then trying to pull myself up over the gunwale.

+1 That was the technique taught at MBK when I took my class.

+2


Also if your assisting someone, side by side, you can lean all the way over and commit your weight to their kayak to stabilize it.

One of the times I took the MBK course they also showed us how to use a paddle float.  It's ridiculously easy to re-enter using one.  So I got one and have carried it with me ever since.  Still haven't needed to use it though.

Everyone should be out practicing self rescue in a lake. Pack a lunch and take the family out, its a great time. This type of "fun" can and does save lives!! After you have it down, you still need to practice it with your dry suit on; its ALOT different than a wet  suit or your swim trunks.

Need to buy the hobie kayak with Hobie Sidekick Ama Outrigger Kit.

+1.  I tested my ability with my Hobie PA 12'.  Went out to Berkeley marina outside the jetty just north of the pier.  Kayak fully rigged, net,fishing rods, kayak cart,  you name it.   Flipped my pro Tankler  over and had a really hard time flipping it upright, beiing such a wide kayak it was really difficult.  Thought I was going to have to swim in the kayak but decided to try it again.  I had Swim fins  just in case but wanted to do it without any assistance.  After some hard pulling with my left, and pushing up with my right while frog kicking, I was able to flip it over and easily get back in.   With a sigh of relief I was just in awe on how heavy the fully rigged kayak is when you are Underwater.   Now I keep a rigged rescue ladder  attached on one side to be able to throw it over, swim under,  reach up and heave  it up right.

Been fishing last year and this year mostly down Big Sur rough swell and condition but never thought about self rescue. So I finally took it out this past Sunday at and did 5 attempts. side entry was surprising easy but rear was not. I could not get on board and i was poop after several failed attempts. nothing can substitute practice and time in the water that's for sure. my 2 other buddies that fish with me are knuckle heads. they don't listen to me about self rescue. none of them have any self rescue practice. I preach to them many times that big sur is not a place they want to practice but like always they shrug me off. the only thing I could do is NOT go fishing with them.

which ladder should I get for a Outback and 5-09 tall? I know the listing says regular size for under 5-10, but anyone have an Outback and used this rescue ladder? Im thinking if I get the long one I could always shorten it if it is too long, but would just as soon like to get the regular size if its the right size for the Outback.

I now made my own ladder. I made the rope the length so that when the yak is upside down the handle would come over to about the center line. If it was 6" longer it made it more difficult to roll the yak over-no leverage. It also made it harder to get back in the yak due to me being too low in the water when my leg straightened out. So, about center line worked best for the Outback.

My very first time kayak fishing me and some buddies went up to Trinity and practiced self rescue first thing.  After we got back I bought a radio that floats.

Should not be in the water if you can't recover from a huli imo. just making it more dangerous for everyone.

Dang....you all are so right....and on point with the importance of self rescue. ...need to practice more, think I have it dialed in but need more practice so that I'm comfortable in all situations. ...thank you  all for the great advice. ...