How do I reenter a kayak if I turn over?

Question

How do I reenter a kayak if I turn over?

Answer 1

Secondary stability refers to the ease of righting a kayak once it has been put off balance. Round-bottomed boats present a greater cross-section to the water as they are tipped from level ("heeled"), while very flat-bottomed boats present less. Boats that have lower primary stability will generally be easier to right when rolled too far. sea kayaks, designed for open water and rough conditions, are generally narrower (22-25 inches) and have more primary stability than recreational kayaks, which are wider (26-30+ inches), have a flatter hull shape, and more secondary stability. Until recently, whitewater kayaks had very rounded hulls, but changes in design philosophy have lead to whitewater kayaks with very flat planing hulls that allow them to sit on top of the water rather than in the water (displacement hull).

Answer 2

remember this saying: "belly, butt, legs".  I am a kayak instructor, for both ocean kayaking and calm water kayaking, and what I say is that if you turn over, right the kayak, then pull yourself onto it so your belly button is over the seat.  then, turn and put your butt in the seat.  lastly, slide your legs into position.  hope this helps!

Answer 3

If you have a closed cockpit kayak, you use a technique called the 'Eskimo Roll'. Basically, you brace on the inside of the boat, and use your paddle to bring you around. If you are in one of the open kayaks, the best way to get back on is to go to the back of the boat, straddle it and inch your way up to the seat. If you have a powerful kick, you might be able to get on from the side, but it's much easier from the back. Trying to get on from the side usually winds up in going over on the other side.

Have you tried an outrigger canoe? They make life much simpler.

Answer 4

This has happened to me, and it depends on the type of kayak.

Some kayaks you can use your paddle to right the kayak back up.

But the open cockpit type I had, you couldn't do that, and I had to swim to shore while towing the kayak behind me. Then dump all the water out and get back in.