Self rescue self training

I took my wife to Berryessa today to finally see if we could figure out how to self rescue. On my first try I only managed to flip the kayak and wack myself on top of my head with it.  I had thought about and read others also thought it might help having a rope ladder of sorts to help use leg muscles to get up and in. This turned out to be totally useless. Finally I tried lots of leg kicks as I pulled myself up with my arms and I made it.  Once I knew what to do it became easy. I put my left hand on the edge of the kayak to pull myself up and used my right hand to make sort of a swim move reaching for the far side of the kayak. All while kicking as fast as I could and it actually was pretty easy. Once I knew what to do I guided my wife and she was also able to self rescue. It was harder for her being weaker and having more up top getting in the way as she tried to get in. I have needed to get this done for too long. I feel much better knowing I can get it done. If you haven't done this yet, get out on the water while the weather is warm and give it a try.

One of the biggest things that I found was to keep yourself low when you slide back on the yak, get your butt onboard and then flip over and sit up.  I use a big scissor kick while pulling with my far hand and pushing with my near hand.  Kind of doing a bellyflop.

Great post! One more thing to add is that self rescue needs to be done with your PFD ON. PFD's often make getting back in a problem, at least until you do it with it on.

Yes. That was part of my wife's problem. She could have used a strap between her legs to keep the PDF from riding up.

Yes. That was part of my wife's problem. She could have used a strap between her legs to keep the PDF from riding up.

If it was riding up it either was not adjusted right, or too big and she needs a smaller size. You should be able to pick up the wearer by the top of the shoulder straps and it should not pull over their head.

In her case it is the PDF style. I have to push her to wear safety gear and she felt this one was less constrictive. It is pretty much just flotation in front and back with straps on the sides. There is nothing to keep it from riding up. After this maybe I can talk her into a better one.

The easiest way to get up on a kayak when in deep water is from the front.  Push the nose into the water and hop right on, then simply crawl or slide back into the seating position.  It takes much less effort and the kayak will not flip over.

This would be tough with rod holders and a fish finder in the way.  I would add all the stuff you use while fishing, even an anchored tackle box, then try self rescue.

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for those with big bulky pfds, the ones with the big front pockets....

or those with a large gut...

or for those like me that have both....

I put both hands on the near side, stetch out like superman while I kick enough to get my body flat on top of the water and push the edge of the yak down as I slip my pfd/gut over the edge.  After that it is business as usual.  Whenever I tried the traditional one hand on the far side, my pfd/gut kept getting stuck.

For the non fat guy, check out Great Bass 2.  Scott barely even gets wet, he is so fast getting back in.

Sounds good. I'll pass that on to my wife.

do a "search" on "self rescue" on you will see a lot tips,advice and scenarios on the topic - and see what works for you. Good luck and paddle safe. IMO: There is no better information than first hand experiences from seasoned kayak fishermen 

*kayak specialty shops do offer self rescue and other safety courses but not exclusively for kayak fishermen  - just a reminder to all the newbies getting into the sport.

*just another reminder - fishing rods, net ,gaff, leash, milk crates, fish finders...ect can get in the way when you need to self rescue. Make sure you have clear path back onto your kayak when the shit hits the fan.

"The easiest way to get up on a kayak when in deep water is from the front.  Push the nose into the water and hop right on, then simply crawl or slide back into the seating position.  It takes much less effort and the kayak will not flip over."

I was referring to sliding back to the seat area, not worried at all about flipping it over.  That's the easy part.  Yeah the kelp could be a problem, but that would be a rare occurrence I agree.

Self rescue ability should be a prerequisite to fish organized events IMHO. There's a lot of places teaching classes or YouTube it and go practice. It's all about practice and technique.

   I see a new Certification  Program idea in the works...          Like taking a Bareboat Charter licensing class.. or SCUBA classes,   Hunter safety course.

         Tournament applicants must be certified.   ( guess we're all certifiable  ) 

  Discounts to card holders.       

Now,,, what to name it??? 

"The easiest way to get up on a kayak when in deep water is from the front.  Push the nose into the water and hop right on, then simply crawl or slide back into the seating position.  It takes much less effort and the kayak will not flip over."

I was referring to sliding back to the seat area, not worried at all about flipping it over.  That's the easy part.  Yeah the kelp could be a problem, but that would be a rare occurrence I agree.

The only problem I see with entering from the front, or rear, is all the gear we have on board. Fish finders, rod holders etc