Have you ever found yourself accidentally capsizing your kayak, sending you plunging into the water with no idea how to get yourself back on board? Don’t panic – it’s happened to even the most experienced kayakers and with the right technique, it’s an easy fix. Before I took my first kayaking lessons, self-rescue was one of my biggest fears about getting on the water. However, once I learned the Eskimo roll, T-rescue, and deep water re-entry methods, I felt confident that even if I ended up in the drink, I had several options to safely return to the safety and comfort of my kayak cockpit.

In this post on how do you get out of a kayak, I’ll break down the key techniques for getting back into your capsized kayak, no matter what type of watercraft you’re using or what the conditions may be. Read on to gain the skills and confidence to continue your paddling adventures, even if the inevitable swim becomes part of the journey.

Why Learn How to Get Out of a Kayak?

While knowing how to get out of a kayak may not be the most glamorous or exciting skill, it’s an essential one that all paddlers should know. Not only does it prevent any potential panic and discomfort if you do find yourself in the water, but it also ensures your safety and helps you avoid potentially dangerous situations. Plus, learning self-rescue techniques also allows you to push yourself and your kayaking abilities further, knowing that you have the skills to handle any situation.

10 Step-by-step Guidelines on How Do You Get Out of a Kayak

Step 1: Stay Calm

One of the most crucial things you can do in any emergency situation is to stay calm. If you find yourself capsized in your kayak, take a deep breath and remember that panicking will only make the situation worse. You can’t think clearly if you’re panicking, so take a moment to collect yourself before proceeding with the following steps.

Step 2: Determine Your Location and Orientation

As soon as you surface after capsizing, take a moment to assess your surroundings and determine which way is up. If you’re wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), it will help keep you buoyant, but if you feel disoriented, try reaching for the bottom of your kayak or paddle to get your bearings. But, don’t worry if you’re not sure which way is up at first – this step is just to help you feel more comfortable and confident before proceeding.

Step 3: Retrieve Your Paddle

It’s essential to retrieve your paddle as soon as possible after capsizing. If it floats away, it can be challenging to get back or even lost entirely. So, before proceeding with any self-rescue technique, make sure to grab your paddle and bring it back to your kayak. You can use it as a brace while re-entering your kayak if necessary.

Step 4: Kick Your Feet

If you’re using a sit-on-top kayak, kicking your feet towards the surface will help bring your body to the top of the water. If you’re in a closed cockpit kayak and have performed an Eskimo roll, this may not be necessary. However, if you’re using another method to re-enter your kayak, kicking your feet can help propel you upwards. This step is especially important if you’re wearing heavy gear or a wetsuit that may make it challenging to swim.

Step 5: Perform an Eskimo Roll

The Eskimo roll technique is the most efficient and quickest way to get back into your kayak after capsizing. It involves flipping your kayak upright using just your paddle, body, and the water’s buoyancy. If you’re not familiar with this technique, it’s worth taking the time to learn and practice it. It can be a lifesaver in emergency situations.

Step 6: Use a T-Rescue

If you’re kayaking with a friend or group, the T-rescue is an effective self-rescue method that involves using another person’s kayak as support. The capsized paddler holds onto the side of their buddy’s kayak and then uses it to stabilize themselves while re-entering their own vessel. If possible, practice this technique with a partner before heading out on the water. But even if you’re kayaking alone, it’s still helpful to know just in case you encounter another paddler in need of assistance.

Step 7: Deep Water Re-entry

If you’re unable to perform an Eskimo roll or use a T-rescue, the deep water re-entry method is another option. This technique involves flipping your kayak upright and the paddler hoisting themselves onto the rear deck using a combination of their arms, legs, and momentum. It’s an effective technique for kayakers who have difficulty with upper body strength or mobility.

Step 8: Use Your Paddle as a Leash

If you’re unable to re-enter your kayak for any reason, use your paddle as a leash by wrapping one end of it around your wrist. This action will help prevent you from losing your paddle and, therefore, staying close to your kayak until help arrives. You can also use your paddle to float and kick towards the shore if necessary.

Step 9: Flip Your Kayak Over

If none of the above techniques work for you or if you’re using a sit-on-to kayak, the flip-and-slide method may be the most efficient way to get back on board. This technique involves flipping your kayak over, lining up next to it with your body parallel to the boat, and then sliding back onto your seat.

Step 10: Practice Makes Perfect

The key takeaway from learning how to get out of a kayak is that practice makes perfect. The more you practice these techniques, the more comfortable and confident you’ll be when it comes to using them in a real-life emergency. So take some time to practice these self-rescue methods before heading out on your next kayak adventure.

Following these step-by-step guidelines on how do you get out of a kayak will help you develop the skills and confidence to successfully get out of a kayak in any situation. By staying calm, assessing your surroundings, and utilizing different self-rescue techniques, you can continue to enjoy kayaking without worrying about capsizing. Remember always to prioritize safety and practice these techniques regularly – you never know when they might come in handy.

Do You Need to Get Professional Help?

If you’re new to kayaking or feel uncomfortable with performing self-rescue techniques, it’s always a good idea to take a beginner’s kayaking course. These courses cover essential skills such as how to properly enter and exit a kayak, basic paddling techniques, and safety procedures in case of capsizing. Taking a course not only gives you the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors but also allows you to practice these skills in a controlled and safe environment. Additionally, it’s always wise to kayak with a partner or group for added safety.

However, if you do find yourself in an emergency situation, don’t hesitate to call for professional help if needed. Even the most experienced kayakers can encounter unexpected challenges on the water, so knowing when to ask for assistance is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I Need to Know How to Perform an Eskimo Roll?

A: While it’s not necessary for all kayakers, knowing how to perform an Eskimo roll can be a valuable skill in emergency situations. It’s recommended that all paddlers at least familiarize themselves with the technique and practice it regularly. 

Q: Can I Use a Paddle Float for Deep Water Re-entry?

A: Yes, using a paddle float can be useful in deep water re-entry as it provides additional stability and buoyancy. However, it’s crucial to know how to properly use a paddle float before relying on it in an emergency.

Q: What Should I Do If I Lose My Paddle?

A: If you lose your paddle, try to grab onto another nearby object or use a self-rescue technique such as the T-rescue to retrieve it. If you’re unable to retrieve your paddle, use it as a leash and float with it until help arrives.

Conclusion

In conclusion on how do you get out of a kayak, getting out of a kayak may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and practice, anyone can master it. Remember to always use your core and leg muscles for stability, and to not be afraid of falling into the water. Make sure to also utilize the help of others or a nearby dock if needed. And most importantly, have fun!

Kayaking is a wonderful activity that allows you to connect with nature and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So grab your kayak and paddle, and head out for your next adventure on the water! Don’t forget to share your experiences with us in the comments below.

We would love to hear about your kayaking adventures and any additional tips you may have for getting out of a kayak. Let’s continue to inspire each other and explore all that this beautiful world has to offer us. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start paddling!