Line the kayak up so its parallel to the shore. Im so glad you are here :-) Im Pete. Theyve got integrated paddle notches to make launching and docking safe and effortless. Once you are entirely in and well-seated, push the whole kayak in water and paddle. ", General Tips For Entry & Exit From Kayak For Seniors Make Stretching A Daily Habit Always Kayak With A Partner (or Partners!) } Whether youre using the paddle assist entry method or just placing your hands on the dock to lower yourself into your kayak, make sure you dont push away from that dock without your paddle! },{ "acceptedAnswer": { Sit on the Dock. When entering a kayak from a dock, the first step is to put your paddle across the boat, perpendicular to it and leaning on the dock. The paddle should be far enough out from the kayak that both of your hands are over the water. If you tip without wearing a life jacket, however, stay calm and immediately grab the kayak and the life vest if its attached to the vessel. "name": "What Are the Basic Types of Paddle Strokes? Stay steady, then grab your kayak from the water to prevent it from floating away. These seats are designed to help individuals with partial paralysis enter a kayak, but they can also be very useful for seniors with tight hips or knees. Many people think kayaks and canoes are just played toys, but if you love river or lake paddling in a fun way that doesnt hurt the environment then these types of boats might be for you. How to Get In and Out of a Kayak Safely | Paddle Camp But if youre starting to notice that getting into your kayak is much more difficult than it used to be, then consider incorporating 20-30 minutes of stretching into your daily routine. If youre intent on sticking to your sit-inside kayak, then there is a relatively simple way you can modify the straddle method to work for you. This will be your best bet for staying safe. In fact, we find that many folks get into kayaking later on in life because it provides amazing opportunities to slow down and unplug from the fast-paced lifestyle theyve lived for many years. You can get out of your kayak on uneven or rocky shorelines using the same technique in reverse. As kayaking is a sport that can be quite intimidating, its important for beginners to learn how to safely and properly get in and out of a kayak. Launch from a gradually sloping spot: The secret to launching a kayak from shore is to find a place that gradually slopes into the water, rather than a steep drop-off. Once your kayak seat is directly underneath your hips, squat gently until your hips are settled into the seat. From here, stand on one side of your kayak with your hips facing away from your kayak. How To Get In And Out Of A Kayak (From Shore, Doc & Deepwater) Wiggle your body into position before putting weight on it by sitting down on it. Forward Stroke

When exiting on the shore, paddle your kayak into shallow water or as close to the land as possible. Draw Stroke

Lower the kayak parallel to the shoreline with the paddle perpendicular to it. This position helps you control the motion of the kayak as you paddle. To set up for this method, youll want to get your kayak into the water deep enough so that its not touching the bottom. Place your feet on the footpegs and keep a slight bend in your knees. Next, propel the kayak forward by pulling the blade back towards your hip. From here, its time to twist so that your upper body is pointing towards the bow of your kayak. Before thinking of how to get in and out of the kayak, you need to get it on the shore. Just like boating, surfing and any other watersport, kayaking can place a kayakers health and safety at risk especially if the individual fails to practice responsible safety precautions. If your knees are slightly bent and in firm contact with each side of the kayak, this is a good indicator that the balls of your feet are in the right position. Next, propel the kayak forward by pulling the blade back towards your hip. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',631,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-banner-1-0');@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-banner-1-0_1-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',631,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-631{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. From here, slide your kayak into the water and position it so that it is parallel to the dock. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. A buddy can assist by pulling parallel to your kayak and steadying the boat. One of the most clever tricks for easy entry & exit from a kayak for seniors is to find an ADA-accessible dock in your area. (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try). When all of the weight inside a kayak (paddler plus kayaking essentials) is as close to aligned with the midline as possible, the kayak is at its most balanced and stable. This should look like one swift motion in the water from your feet to your seat. Conversely, getting your weight too far over one gunwale or the other will make you much more likely to capsize. You canalsokeep your kayak from shifting positions by placing either end of the paddle on the kayak and the dock. Place the paddle blade into the water, keep your knuckles pointed upward and maintain a relaxed but firm grip on the paddle shaft. Its also a good idea to identify spots on your route like bays or accessible shorelines where you can stop to take a break if needed. And, as you might imagine, it simply requires rolling out of your kayak and then standing up and walking into shore. Read the full article or jump to a specific section: Once you try kayaking, were positive youll love it. Your legs will still be about halfway in the water. With portable equipment that can be easily launched from any dock, riverside or shore, your kayak can travel with you to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Your goal for this next step is to sit on the deck of your kayak just behind the cockpit. One of the best accessories out there is the EZ-Launch System, which allows you to get into your kayak on a dry dock and then slide into the water using handrails (pictured below). Step One: Paddle To The Dock Or Shore Step Two: Balance Yourself Step Three: Getting Out Of The Kayak Exiting From The Water Key Insights & Takeaways Frequently Asked Questions Is It Hard To Get In And Out Of A Kayak? Entering within reach of one of these features can give you an additional handhold when lowering yourself into your kayak. Your legs will still be dangling in the water, but you should have most of your body in the kayak now. 3. Kayaking is a fun and exciting way to spend time with others: Grab a group of your closest friends and paddle down a river rapid or gather the family and enjoy a picnic after a relaxing coast on the lake. These strokes will enable you to move forward, backward or sideways in your kayak as well as help you turn around.

The very first step is to Launch your kayak. As you're sitting on the edge of the dock, lower your feet into the kayak first. "name": "HOW TO GET INTO A KAYAK FROM THE DOCK", Of course you'll want to make sure you've kept your paddle close enough so that it's within easy reach once you're in. Start by positioning your kayak parallel to the dock and then sit down on the dock beside the kayak seat. Although you planned a trip on a perfect day, you should still be aware of what to know about kayaking during times of bad weather. Trying to regain control of the vehicle abruptly could cause you to overcorrect and make the situation worse. Start by moving your kayak toward the end of the floating dock. Why are our EZ Launch Residential floating dock systems ideal for your waterside? Getting In and Out of Your Kayak | Paddling.com If you end up off course, make sure you have a nautical map or compass with you. Even with inclined seats, always maintain an upright posture to have reasonable control when paddling and to prevent back and shoulder injuries. Aim for water thats ankle-to knee-deep in order to ensure that you wont get stuck trying to push your way into deeper water using the blades of your kayak paddle, which is a surefire way to break a paddle before you even get started. To help someone in danger, you should face the bow of the kayak to the stern in order to see & reach them. ", That means youll want to sit on the lowest point on the dock, as close to the kayak as possible. } If youre using a sit-in kayak, there should be a set of footpegs near your feet. One of the challenges of launching a kayak from a dock is that not all docks are created equal. "@type": "Question", "@type": "Question", Kayak Yes, of course, you'll need a kayak to go kayaking. Sit on the half of the paddle thats on the shore and place your feet into the boat. For instance, a flowing river may increase your speed naturally while a steady lake will require you to exert more energy to move faster. The EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System goes beyond ADA requirements to provide kayakers of any age and ability a safe and convenient way to enter and exit their kayak. }] If youre at the beach, stay near the shore so you dont have too much distance to swim in. I am the owner of KayakHelp.com. Try these steps to help:

Then, quickly position your body toward the front of the kayak and lower yourself into the seat. The three basic ways to get into a kayak are straddling, with support, and sidesaddle. Busy waterways with a lot of boat traffic, Polluted water, because you could accidentally expose yourself to harmful bacteria if you fall into the water, Less-than-ideal or unstable weather conditions, since you wont want to get stuck on a kayak in a dangerous storm. At EZ Dock, were confident that with a little practice, youll be on your way to mastering your new hobby.

Sit-on-top kayaks: Many people are familiar with this type of recreational kayak. One is called the sweep, or screw, roll, and one is called a vertical, or C to C, roll. First,put one hand on either side of the kayak one close to you and oneacross the seat opening. Remember, the higher you are, the more difficult it will be to enter the kayak. 3 Steps to Launch Your Fishing Kayak from a Dock 1 Put your best foot forward If the boat is below the dock, sit or lay on the dock with both feet in the cockpit. Katie from the REI Outdoor Schools shows how to get in and out of your kayak from a dock and from the beach. You should drag the kayak to the water's edge. Not that it reaches a time when you are alone, and this should not stop you from kayaking. This is why many kayaking instructors tell their students to focus on keeping their noses aligned with their belly buttons as they learn how to paddle a kayak. "@context": "https://schema.org", "name": "Why Should You Go Kayaking? To do so, gently bend at the knees until your hands can reach the sides of your kayak to give you a little extra stability. Next, youll want to rotate your hips so that you can set both of your feet into the cockpit of your kayak. } Start with the shore, then the dock, and finally the rocky areas. Staying centered in the kayak and wearing a life jacket will help in this scenario. Depending on the design of the dock youre using to launch your kayak, you might find one or two of these techniques more useful than the others. As you lower your weight into your kayak, its important to do so decisively. Instead, its best to maintain as much control of the car as possible and move in the direction of the vehicle. How To Get In And Out Of A Kayak Safely | SeaKayakExplorer How To Get In and Out of a Kayak - Kayak Scout But once you have those criteria met, set up with your paddle in one hand and the bow of your kayak between your legs. During this step, getting into your kayak seat as quickly as possible can help reduce the likelihood of tipping when youre still seated on the deck of your kayak. Continue to face upward to ensure you can breathe. Look behind you and propel the paddle forward towards your toes. Make the move easier by clearing the deck and seat of gear and accessories. However, we are going to show you how to do it. Draw the paddle forward in a half-moon arc towards the bow of the kayak. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-leader-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',633,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-leader-1-0');We recommend trying each method and bailing from time to time as it gives you a better result. This position can help you use your core and provide more stability and power with each paddle without straining your back. This way, you'd be able to get to know your vessel better. Put a slight bend in your knees and rest them against the side of the kayak. How to Get In and Out of a Kayak - as part of the expert series by GeoBeats. Hold the kayak paddle vertically with your free hand. Place your paddle so it's within easy grabbing distance of the seat. Kayaks are actually at their least stable when they are stationary, so its really important that you move swiftly and decisively to lower your weight into your kayak and settle into the cockpit. It should be noted that this method is much easier when youre paddling a sit on top kayak because you wont have to bend your knees into your chest to get your legs into the smaller cockpit of a sit-inside kayak. "@type": "Answer", At once, sit down and let go of the dock while dropping into the seat in a controlled fall. 3) Sort of bend your knees as you should lower yourself down into the kayak slowly with both your hands on the decline (the edge of the deck). Touring kayaks: Touring kayaks are long with small cockpits. Always sit in the center of the boat. How To Get In A Fishing Kayak From A Dock | Kayak Angler Did you know there are different types of paddle blades? Squat down with care to the kayak while keeping your center of gravity low. And, as always, we wish you nothing but the best on all your upcoming kayak adventures! as easily as possible. Our passion for spending time on the water has led us to create floating launch systems for your kayak or canoes to make getting in and out of the water a breeze. "text": "Docks are convenient places to get into your kayak, but it takes a bit of finesse to pull it off. Each environment you choose to paddle contains variables that will impact the way you kayak. This method of exiting a kayak is really useful for seniors with especially tight hips and knees. With your feet in the kayak, turn your body towards the bow, get a good grip with both hands on the dock,and then lower yourself decisively into the seat. How to Position and Adjust Yourself in Your Kayak, The Best and Worst Weather Conditions for Kayaking. If you want to keep both of your handsfree for this technique, you can either utilize your paddle parks, ask your partner to hold your paddle, or simply slide it into the cockpit as youre entering your kayak. However, that shouldn't be off-putting for any newcomer to the sport. Kayak Angler is the world's leading kayak fishing magazine and the number one source for fishing kayak reviews, rigging and tactics for saltwater and freshwater species, plus industry news and fishing reports on what's biting near you. Place the kayak in the water with the bow (the front) pointing away from the shoreline and the stern (the back) pointing towards the shore. Things to Consider When Choosing a Lake Dock, EZ Dock vs Wave Armor: Finding a Floating Dock. As you might imagine, the first technique for getting exiting from a kayak for seniors is a simple reversal of the straddle entry method we detailed above. How To Get In A Kayak: A Practical Guide - The Adventure Junkies Before you head out onto the water, ask yourself these quick questions: Besides the kayak and paddle, here are a few things you should take with you every time: Keep these critical rules in mind to ensure a safe trip: While you should always exercise caution when engaging in any watersport or physical activity, kayaking can be a safe and fun experience as long as you practice it safely. Its best to stay away from areas that could become more challenging if you accidentally paddle too far, especially if youre new to kayaking. 2) Push your hips backward, grasping the paddle with both hands. From here, youll want to slightly lift your hips and slide forward until youre sitting in the seat of your kayak. So, in addition to being easier to climb into onshore, they also allow you to recover from capsizing with less effort. Weve seen far too many kayakers sit on splinters or, even worse, rusty nails before they even had the chance to get out on the water. Then have your partner grab a hold of the kayak while you get on. ", If youre looking for a fun and exciting way to enjoy the open water, kayaking just may be the perfect new hobby for you. Whitewater kayaks: Whitewater kayaking is a more challenging endeavor than leisurely paddling across lakes and ponds. The boat will try to slide away from the dock. Lift one leg out of the water and slide it into the cockpit. Kayaking is truly one of those sports that should not have an age limit associated with it. The same goes for how to paddle a kayak properly. But we have seen many inexperienced kayakers get stuck in a less-than-favorable halfway point between having their hips on the dock and actually getting their hips into the cockpit of their kayak. Lower your feet first and quickly turn your body next to the front of the kayak and slide in swiftly. And the added benefit of stretching is that youll be more comfortable once youre in your kayak so that you can continue to enjoy long days on the water. The instructions for how you get out of a kayak are easy to remember just complete the steps in reverse. Squat down beside the kayak, and slip onto or into your boat, while keeping a little weight on your outrigger. When hes not chasing every fish that swims, Ric teaches English at a school for at-risk teens. What Kind of Boat Was Used in the Movie Jaws? Show more Show more Golden Rules of Kayaking for Beginners. If you can choose a newer dock with minimal risk of splinters, that is always going to be the best-case scenario. Consider getting help from someone to hold the kayak while you get in. To conserve energy, paddle with the wind and not into it if you can. Once youve practiced this process a few times, itll become an easy habit. How to Get Into and Out Of a Kayak Smoothly, Americas Most Important Paddling Rivers, And Why They Matter, Fathers Day Paddling Gift Ideas And Ways To Celebrate, The Hard Way - The Legends of Salty Jefferson [Ep. Grab the gunwale or rim around the boat with your left hand and then lean over to the side you want to get into the kayak. General Tips For Entry & Exit From Kayak For Seniors, Always Kayak With A Partner (or Partners!). Keep your body horizontal to the surface of the water and backstroke to the shore or shallower water. These techniques will help you avoid uncomfortably bending at the knees, hips, or back in order to enter or exit your kayak. Use the dockside hand to keep the boat directly below your center of gravity. Tips to help make your excursion enjoyable include: As a beginner, some of the conditions youll probably want to avoid include: Depending on where youre kayaking, the weather could change in an instant. Step 1: Line It Up Before you attempt to climb in, as a first step, you need to make sure your yak is stable and not going to float off.