- Your Online Kayaking Source
getting in sit in Kayak without turning it over
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Lance Pillsbury on -
My suggestion is to get in on dry land, then have 2 friends put you in the water. But then, I only have a SOT.
-
Permalink Reply by Up The Creek Xpeditions on -
Hi Becki Jo! The easiest way is often called a "Gorilla Launch," because you essentially get in your kayak and walk/slide the boat with your hands (like a Gorilla dragging his knuckles...). That method is awesome at the beach or a lake, but boat ramps will shred the bottom of your boat if you get in and slide -- or otherwise drag your kayak.
The method I would recommend involves placing the kayak in the water parallel to the shore and using your paddle like a kick-stand by placing it behind the cockpit extending toward the shore. Sit on the back deck of your boat, holding the paddle shaft and the cockpit coaming with your "water-side" hand and the shaft between the boat and shore with your other hand. Your hands should be behind your back as you slide into the cockpit.
While using this method, always hold the paddle and boat together -- and always favor your lean toward the shore (toward your paddle "kickstand"). As soon as I get a chance, I'll make a brief video and post it here.
Hope this helps...
Pete
Up The Creek Xpeditions
-
Permalink Reply by Shuswap Kayaks on -
-
Permalink Reply by Settles Bridge Supply House on -
I have always just sat on mine like a horse and slipped in from the back. I have seen people place their kayak right at the edge of the water, parallel to the shore line and slightly rolled over towards dry land. Then when you get in and bring it upright you sort of roll into the water. I find it easier when my paddle is in clips and my hands are free as well.
-
Permalink Reply by Curt Phelps on
-
I use the Cowboy Method most of the time. Put the kayak in the water, straddle the kayak, sit down, then bring both feet in. Legs will get wet, but less chance of spilling, I use this method becasue I am not as young as I use to be.
-
Permalink Reply by Shuswap Kayaks on
-
The cowboy or straddle method is good. It works for most kayaks, but if you ever get a wider model - watch out - man, can you ever hurt your knees doing that! Nothing worse than spreading your legs apart while in a crouched posture...not to mention lowering your butt down to the floor. I stand sideways to my kayaks, put my arms backward a bit to brace myself on to the comb and then I sit down. Both feet on one side. As long as you brace yourself properly you can easily maintain your balance. Once I sit, I just swing my legs in and I am ready to go. I usually launch in about a foot of water so I don't need to push my boat much to get going. This also protects your craft's hull if you got rocky shorelines. Most of the how-to movies are made with perfect conditions, sandy beaches and all; reality often look a bit more challenging. Using the paddle as outrigger placed on shore probably is the best method to get into ocean kayaks that have very small hatches. Just make sure you don't do this with an aluminum paddle...or you might end up going in circles forever...hahaha!
© 2012 Created by Geoff Jennings.
