Getting Started: Getting In and Out of a Kayak

Summer 2007

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Alex Matthews

On the Beach
With the right plan of action, getting into a kayak is easy in most cases. And yet, for beginner paddlers, this is precisely the manoeuvre that is most likely to result in an unplanned dunking. To avoid unwanted swims when getting in or out of a kayak, the only real rule is “get your butt into the boat quickly.” With your butt in the seat, your center of gravity will be low and you’ll feel nice and stable. It’s the awkward transition between standing and sitting where trouble is likely to occur.

The easiest spots to get into and out of your kayak are beaches. On a sandy beach, you can hop into your boat with the stern resting at the edge of the water, and then just push yourself out with your hands when you’re ready. This method is particularly well suited to smooth beaches and plastic kayaks that stand up to rough treatment well. For more delicate boats made from composite materials like fibreglass, Kevlar® or carbon fibre, it’s much easier on the boat to get into the kayak while it’s floating. One of the best ways to do this is to use your paddle as an outrigger for stability.

With your kayak floating in a couple of inches of water parallel to the beach, place your paddle at ninety degrees to the kayak with the shaft resting on the back of the boat just behind the cockpit, and the far blade supported on shore. Grasp the paddle shaft and coaming behind your back, and squat down beside the kayak. Shifting your weight onto the outrigger for support, slip your legs into the boat and drop your butt into the seat.

The key to this entry is to bend your knees deeply so that you get into a good low squat beside the boat. Failing to bend your knees won’t get your butt and your center of gravity low, and will compromise your stability.

This entry is also ideal for awkward or rocky launch sites where footing and balance are tricky, as the outrigger will greatly increase your stability during the crucial transition from shore to the seat of your boat.

When it’s time to get back out of your boat again, simply reverse the steps to exit.

From the Dock
In a lot of ways, launching your kayak from a dock is really convenient. Docks often provide great public access to areas that may otherwise be devoid of good launch sites like beaches. And by launching from a dock, you can keep your feet totally dry getting in and out of the boat—a big plus, especially on chillier days or in cold water.

When launching from a dock, you’ll need a clear strategy to confidently get into and out of your boat. Firstly, take the time to evaluate the layout of the dock. The higher the dock, the more difficult getting in will be, so choose the dock’s lowest point for entering or exiting your kayak.

To get in, slide your kayak into the water and start by positioning it parallel to the dock. Sit down on the dock beside the kayak’s seat. Be careful to place your paddle close by, so that it will be within easy reach once you are in your boat—it’s really disappointing when you forget to do this and have to get back out of the boat again in order to retrieve your paddle. While remaining seated with all your weight on the dock, put your feet in the kayak, close to the centerline of the boat for maximum stability. Once you’re ready to enter the boat, turn your body towards the bow of the kayak, securing a good grip with both hands on the dock. Shift your weight onto your feet and lower yourself smoothly but decisively into the seat. Once seated, maintain a grip on the dock with one hand so that you don’t drift away before you’re ready, and slide your feet into position below deck. Put your spray deck on if you’re using one, retrieve your paddle—and presto—you and your dry feet are ready to go kayaking!

To get back out of your boat, simply reverse these steps.