How difficult is it to right a 2 man kayak as opposed to a single man one?

Question

I assume that if you are both experienced kayakers then it is easy but what about if one of the people has little experience or is a child?

Answer 1

If it's a sea kayak, with sealed bow and stern bulkheads, you would probably do better for the experienced paddler to do a re-entry and roll to right the boat, then pump it out. Put the paddle floats on both paddles, and have the experienced paddler either pull the child up onto the deck, or talk the inexperienced adult through a paddlefloat re-entry.

Answer 2

My experience suggests that it is perhaps four times more difficult. Practice! Each paddler will be on an opposite side. One has to change sides underwater. One has to tap a signal on the hull signaling the roll attempt. It may be possible for one paddler to right the kayak. The 'non-roller' needs to assume a very neutral position and not interfere. Again, a protocol has to be established. Practice in a warm pool!

Answer 3

That depends on the kayak.  If you're on a sit on top kayak, and assuming you're wearing your pfd's, the child should be safe floating, hanging onto the paddles nearby.  If there are heavy currents, tides, the child should be holding onto the back of the boat if possible.  The adult grabs the center side edge of the boat and lifts it up to right it, rolling it over.  He/she then helps the child back on, and climbs back on him/herself.  

If it's a sea kayak, with sealed bow and stern bulkheads, you would probably do better for the experienced paddler to do a re-entry and roll to right the boat, then pump it out.  Put the paddle floats on both paddles, and have the experienced paddler either pull the child up onto the deck, or talk the inexperienced adult through a paddlefloat re-entry.

Answer 4

Agree youd have to practice and know who doing what if youre trying to roll (now that would be fun to see), but to rescue cant see it being much harder that normal water logged kayak, less than a canadian would have thought...lets hope it stays theoretical!

stay dry

Answer 5

Ed my main man..

If it is a child, then like no way would i try to right a downed kayak.  Should float over to the river's edge and right it.  Peace and hair grease!