kayak re-entry methods.

[martinw]

Ive put a few photos together demonstrating step by step deep water kayak re-entry drills. These are the drills i use, the way i do them and the ones that i find the best to re-enter a sit on top kayak. Other people will have their ways, but Ive put these together for everyone who's new to kayak angling or anyone who Fancy's getting involved.

To turn your kayak back to the upright position, get hold of the scupper holes on the side of the boat furthest away from you and pull it over towards you, watch your head!!

Once upright hold on to the side of the yak and get into a position ready to kick your legs to mount the yak.

Kick your legs and pull yourself over the kayak until your stomach is over the seating position on the yak

Once in that position, turn your whole body round until your laying on your front facing the front of the boat.

then carefully move yourself into the seating position with your legs straddling the kayak and pause for a moment to re-gain your balance

Once your balance is back, put your feet back into the foot wells.

The second method i use is to climb up the rear of your kayak, pulling yourself up using the fixtures and fittings on the rear of the kayak, i.e the rope riggings, rod holders and the recesses in the kayak, and anything else you can grab hold of.

turn the kayak over using the same technique, if it ends up upside-down, and move your way to the rear of the kayak. Hold the rear of the kayak ready to kick and mount the rear of the yak.

Kick your legs hard and pull the top half of your body onto the rear of the kayak

Using all the riggings and anything else you can hold on to pull yourself up the kayak until you are over the seating position.

Re-gain your balance while you are laying down, then move yourself into the sitting position with your legs straddling the kayak to again, re-gain your balance.

Then just put your feet back into the foot wells.

I hope all this will be of some help to someone, you cant beat getting out there and practicing these drills, its something that you should be able to do with your eyes closed.

Happy paddling, Martin ;D ;D

[johnlegg]

How deep was the grass ? ;D

[martinw]

thats nothing compared to last weekend, i needed a machete to get my kayaks ;D ;D ;D i managed to get next doors petrol mower to sort it out

[zebra]

Martin what a superb safety article you have posted
And great photos to illustrate the positions the best I have seen by far .this is something that all kayakers should learn and it makes it a lot easier with a great illustrated article like that it must have taken you quite a while to put together and post well done thanks it’s a very helpful post.

[ntombi]

Nice one Martin

I'm sure a lot can be learned from that, especially those newbies
George and I had a good go at it on Saturday afternoon and learned loads

Regards
Stuart

[The Image ™]

I bet the neighbours were wondering what it was all about. Great pics and very clearly demonstrated. We really should have a capsize drill day. We talk about it but it never happens.

[martinw]

i practice them every time i go out but hardly anyone wants to join in.

[TimO]

Great photos, Martin, very informative.
As the Image says we must have practice re-entry day. I've been out twice now and luckily not capsized but it will happen soon so a practice session with fellow yakers about is a must.
Cheers
Tim

[The Image ™]

Aaah, now I've sussed the pics. Martin fell out of his kayak while it was sat on the grass and these are the pics of him trying to get back in.

Ref what you say about previous practice, those occasions were at the end of a kayak meet when people are cold wet and tired. What about a meet 'just' for capsize drill?

[georgieb]

congratulations to martin for his effort and report- a practise day would be great and has long been promised, i know a few who would join in. as well as kayak re-entry it could extend to rescue techniques, testing clothing and equip, getting back to shore when parted from your kayak. how about a date ?

[The Image ™]

I think 'where' is more important than a date as it has to be flat calm. How about the Inland Sea? Flat calm, lots of areas about 5 feet deep (chest depth), easy paddle back and we could even have a barbie on Rabbit Island and a bit of fishing. I like the idea of carting the tents over on the kayak as well as I havn't practiced this yet and it's something I want to get into.

[stitch]

Hi Martin
Brilliant posting, I got Dave to take a few snaps of me doing something similar in the water at Benllech but it didn't work out to well. Using dry land, your garden worked really well. I nominate you safety representative

John ;D ;D ;D

[martinw]

cheers john, i was thinking of doing it on the beach with the other half taking the pics but i didn't think it would work too well, i think doing it on the grass shows all the different positions well.

i just hope that my thread has helped people out a bit