Sit-on-top kayaks can flip over in a flash, but it is essential to follow these steps to avoid capsizing. First, draw the farside to flip the kayak towards you and right side up. If available, secure your paddle to the kayak with a bungee or piece of line. Return to the side of the kayak so that you are in line with the seat.
To re-enter, position yourself on the side of the kayak and push down on the cockpit coaming or the bow and stern handles. With the kayak upright, reenter it by pulling.
If your kayak is stable, there is always a possibility of capsizing. Roll with it: Pull the kayak toward you as you roll it right-side up. Belly slide: Lie across the seat, stabilize, and swing legs into place. Splish-splash: Minimal water gets inside, so swing your hips over to the right-hand side of the boat.
Once you have exited your sit-in kayak, secure your paddle, swim to the side of the kayak, and grasp the edge of the cockpit. With a kick of your legs, push up with your arms and change the paddles position so that they move upwards towards the boat’s exterior.
From the side, reach across to the opposite gunwale and pull towards you as you lean backwards. Use the thwart or any rigging as a hand hold. Slowly pull the kayak towards your body and roll (or flip) the kayak right-side up as you slide back into the water.
Tuck your head and body forward, press your chin against your chest, and lean your chest forward towards the side of the kayak where you are holding your paddle. It is important to remember that a large kayak like the PA is difficult to flip back over once capsized.
📹 How To: Do a Sweep Kayak Roll
The kayak sweep roll is a very efficient way to roll your sea kayak or whitewater boat. It’s smooth, low impact and gives you …
How do you flip your kayak?
✔️ Position yourself on the side of your kayak directly in the middle. ✔️ Boost your body over the top of your overturned kayak and grab the opposite side/edge with your hands. ✔️ Slowly pull the kayak towards your body and roll (or flip) the kayak right-side up as you slide back into the water.
If there’s one part of kayaking that’s not fun, it’s when your kayak flips over.
There’s many ways your kayak can flip, but the most common ones are big waves, strong currentsandexcessive weight.
Although kayaks are designed for maximum stability, accidents happen and knowing what to do can help you avoid an unpleasant experience.
Is it better to transport a kayak upside down or right side up?
Inclement Weather. If traveling when inclement weather is threatening, position the kayak upside down if possible. A kayak heavy with water can become dangerous. Use a portage cover to seal the cockpit if an upside down position is not possible. Periodically check your straps to ensure they have not stretched while wet.
Important:. It is recommended to always stop shortly after the start of your trip to make sure all fittings and connections are secure.
Is a kayak easy to flip?
- Poor boat control:One of the most significant reasons your kayak can capsize is a lack of control. It’s crucial to understand how your movements and paddle strokes affect your kayak’s balance in the water. Without this understanding, you’ll find it challenging to control your kayak, especially with sudden movements and changing direction. For example, if you’re traveling downstream and suddenly stick your paddle in the water to turn toward shore without balancing yourself, you could easily capsize your kayak.
- Rough waters:Choppy water isanother factor that often causes kayaks to capsize. It’s much harder to flip a kayak on a quiet lake, pond or river because the water is smoother. On the other hand, when kayaking in rapid or choppy waters, your chance of capsizing increases because the water can push and pull you in unexpected directions. For example, when kayaking in the ocean, choppy waves can cause your kayak to tip if they hit you at the right angle.
- Type of kayak:The kind of kayak you use can also be a factor in capsizing. Wide, heavy kayaks like fishing or recreational kayaks offer more stability in the water and will be significantly harder to flip. Smaller, lighter kayaks have less balance because they sit higher in the water, making them easier to capsize, especially in rough waters.
While most kayaks are tricky to flip, it’s crucial to be confident in your boat’s design and comfortable with its movements.
How to Prevent Your Kayak From Capsizing. Unless you’re intentionally flipping your kayak, chances are that you want to prevent capsizing at all costs. Luckily, it’s easier to do so than you might think. Follow these tips next time you’re out on the water.
Why do you store a kayak upside down?
Which way up to store a kayak. As mentioned, whether on a rack or placed on a surface, the best way to store a kayak is upside down and flat, especially if you’re storing it for long periods of time.
Storing it vertically, on its side or cockpit-side up runs the risk of denting it or warping its shape at the pressure points. When using a rack, always keep the bars touching the side or cockpit instead of the bottom.
How to store a kayak: tips at a glance. Key pointers to take away are:
- Store your boat off the ground to avoid pests and damage.
- Hang it upside down to minimise dents.
- Keep it away from extreme temperatures, direct sun and moisture.
- Ensure you clean and dry it properly before you store it away.
How do you turn right in a kayak?
And the left knee is up as the sweep stroke is made push on the right foot to transfer the power to the boat looking in the direction of the turn.
How do I get back on a flipped kayak?
And then I can also grab the handle across on the other side. And I just kind of lift up my chest a little bit and slide it up onto the kayak like.
How do you reverse a kayak?
You’re going to plant. The back face of the paddle. Between where you are and the stern of the boat. Look back unwind same thing on the other side look back unwind.
What are the chances of a kayak flipping?
But do kayaks tip over that easily? Kayaks are generally safe to use and hardly tip over. Nevertheless, the risk of tipping depends on the sort of kayak and the type of water where you are paddling. For instance, paddling a kayak on a relatively calm river makes tipping over exceptionally difficult, unless deliberate effort is exerted. However, engaging in rapid water paddling, using an ultra-light or sea kayak entails a significant risk of flipping.
Preventing your boat from tipping over. Not every flip can be prevented, but with a few techniques, the chances of capsizing can be reduced enormously. When you’re just starting out, you’ll need time to practice these techniques. But once you become very good at paddling, you’ll not need to worry about capsizing as the techniques will become almost instinctive. There aret common ways of preventing a kayak from tipping over. First, you must pick the right conditions. Next is balancing your kayak, using the low brace, and using the high brace.
Picking the right paddling conditions. Depending on your skill and experience level with kayaking, you should choose the paddling conditions that suit your ability. Most often, the weather determines how safe you can be out there when kayaking. For example, when strong winds are blowing, waves become higher, increasing the probability of your boat flipping. So avoid inclement weather and always plan your paddling trips in fair weather. Remember that there is always a next time.
How do you rotate a kayak?
So that pivots my right hip back in the seat. By getting hip rotation. Coming from the legs. That’s multiplied in the rotation that my shoulders are able to achieve.
Is it easy to kayak upstream?
Paddling upstream need not be as much work as you might think. Moving water paddlers learn to read the water – spotting areas of greater or lesser flow rate, obstructions lurking just below the surface, eddies – and to use these to their advantage. Those same river reading skills and natural features are just as useful when going upstream, and maybe more so. Taking advantage of the relatively slacker water inside bends, moving from side to side in the stream; hopping the eddies behind small points or obstructions; anticipating, and compensating for, the swifter current that will grab the bow when you round that tight bend.
Using this imaginary river as a guide, let’s work our way upstream…
We’ll begin in the slow water, behind turn #1. We’ll hug the right bank (to our left, since we are facing upstream) until we meet the fast water, coming off the point. We’ll then side slip or ferry into the slack water on river left (our right side) and follow that up to point #2. A short sideslip to the center of the stream will put us in the eddy behind the rock. Here we can sit a moment while contemplating our next move. From our vantage point behind the rock we can see another eddy behind the log on river right so we slide to our left, far enough to clear the rock, punch out a short, uncorrected forward stroke, followed by one or two cross forwards and we’re sitting comfortably in the eddy, below the log. A few sculls with the paddle and we’re to the end of the log where (if we’re paddling on the right) a couple of sweeping forward strokes will take us into the slow water along the bank at #3. If we’re paddling on the left, perhaps a couple of sweeping cross forwards (or maybe a forward followed by a brief post and another forward) will do the trick.
What is the right side of the kayak?
- Bow: Front of the kayak
- Stern: Back of the kayak
- Port: Left side of the kayak
- Starboard: Right side of the kayak
Anatomy of a Paddle. Without a paddle, there’s not a lot you can do on a kayak. A paddle is your most important tool when out on the water. Like a kayak, there are different parts to a paddle. Here is a quick look at the anatomy of a paddle:
- Tip: The end of the blade
- Blade: Wide portion of the paddle used to push through the water
- Drip Ring: Rubber ring that prevents water from running down the shaft
- Shaft: Acts as the handle for the paddle
- Throat: The part of the shaft that turns into the blade
- Spine: The part of the shaft that extends into the blade
- Joint: The point that connects a two piece paddle together
- Power Face: Side of the blade that captures water as you stroke forward
- Non-Power Face: The back side of the blade
Is it hard to flip kayak?
But do kayaks tip over that easily? Kayaks are generally safe to use and hardly tip over. Nevertheless, the risk of tipping depends on the sort of kayak and the type of water where you are paddling. For instance, paddling a kayak on a relatively calm river makes tipping over exceptionally difficult, unless deliberate effort is exerted. However, engaging in rapid water paddling, using an ultra-light or sea kayak entails a significant risk of flipping.
Preventing your boat from tipping over. Not every flip can be prevented, but with a few techniques, the chances of capsizing can be reduced enormously. When you’re just starting out, you’ll need time to practice these techniques. But once you become very good at paddling, you’ll not need to worry about capsizing as the techniques will become almost instinctive. There aret common ways of preventing a kayak from tipping over. First, you must pick the right conditions. Next is balancing your kayak, using the low brace, and using the high brace.
Picking the right paddling conditions. Depending on your skill and experience level with kayaking, you should choose the paddling conditions that suit your ability. Most often, the weather determines how safe you can be out there when kayaking. For example, when strong winds are blowing, waves become higher, increasing the probability of your boat flipping. So avoid inclement weather and always plan your paddling trips in fair weather. Remember that there is always a next time.
📹 FLIP Your Fishing Kayak | DEEP WATERRe-Entry
In this video I am walking you through the Bonafide RS117 Fishing Kayak. This kayak is the kayak that I consider the best value …
Chad, on behalf of the Coast Guard, I’d like to thank you for all of the effort you invest in helping paddlers be prepared and safe in this kayak fishing passion of ours. We need more focus on SOT safety and procedures, because it is indeed very different from SIS practices. Paddlers need to operate with the “when it happens” mindset, not “if.” It eventually bites all of us. PRACTICE. Those of us that fish in coastal environments may have a number of rods with treble hooks and braid line. We had just such a paddler here in Lake Pontchartain. During the capsize he became entangled in the hooks and braid. A treble hook punctured his inflatable. The braid wrapped around him. His rods were on the bottom, with him attached to them. He didn’t have a knife, so he couldn’t self rescue. He clung on and hoped for the best. Heavy cold weather clothes and cold water add a completely new set of challenges, as do wind and waves. Without PRACTICE, you are doomed. I’d offer that a rear entry may be a good option for some. Clear the tank well of gear and mount up surfer style. The kayak is very stable fore to aft. The challenge then becomes getting over the seat, but it’s not hard if you keep a low center of gravity. Some may not feel comfortable with this method, but you’ll never know unless you PRACTICE. Thanks again brother! Next time you are in the NOLA area, give me a shout. Oyster poboys are on me!
This guy is awesome. As a retired Coast Guard Coxswain, I always had the mindset when getting underway that I could end up in the water. This mindset helps prepare you for those Uh oh moments. Anyone who gets in a boat should have this mindset. Every season should begin with these “drills”. This guy is saving your life so pay attention! Thanks big guy! SEMPER PARATUS!
This is the best safety article I’ve seen. When I bought my first kayak 5 years ago I watched articles on how to get back in if I tipped over. This is by far the best one I’ve watched. Knowledge is power and I was able to help my 20 year old granddaughter get back into her kayak after she flipped it. I hope all kayak bass fisherman watch this article. It could save their life. Thanks Chad.
Another great rescue item to keep in your kayak is a paddle float. They really stabilize a kayak and allow an easier re-entry. I started my kayak adventures in sea kayaking and kayak surfing. When I switched to mostly fishing kayaks I used what gear would transfer for my fishing kit. I made stirrup straps for assisted sea kayak re-entry out of nylon 1″ webbing. Great article. I too try to express safety and skills on the water. Nice job on the article.
this is what youtube is ment for!! i don’t have a fishing kayak always thought about getting one though, can’t recomend learning this enough, if you do have one i use to help teach kids how to dingy sail and every time there was no wind we did capsize drills it also made the little one’s more confedent in the water!!
I do enjoy this content. Some articles make it look extremely easy but after doing it myself I realise as many others do that it isn’t as easy as it seems. I am not looking forward to flipping my fully laden kayak and am hoping to stay upright for as long as possible but fishing in lumpy water most of the time I know it is inevitable 👎🏼 Keep producing this type of content Chad, it is so valuable 😊👍🏼
Best article for SOT self rescue from the side I’ve seen. Keep up the good work Chad! You made an excellent point…don’t panic. When that cold water hits ya…it can be a shock, but remain calm and stay focused on the task. Gather your thoughts and commit on every action! Someone’s life may be saved by the time and efforts you put into making this article! Thanks!
Hook the ads to the other side, lengthen it a good bit, and bring it under the boat to your side. Put your foot in it and then get in. Having the strap on the other side puts your weight over the center when lifting yourself, because your foot is pulling that side down, while your upper boddy is pulling the side nearest you down. Keeps the yak from trying to roll again.
Great safety article! Had this happen to me in the fall with a fully loaded kayak which made it impossible for me to flip back over. I always wear my PFD even though I thought this could never happen to me. Luckily someone saw me and gave me a tow back to shore. Lost some gear and damaged my pride a little but could of been a lot worse. After that happened I found myself looking for articles on how to flip a loaded kayak back over. Will definitely be adding a strap. Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate.
THIS IS REALLY GOOD TO KNOW, PLUS TO TRY TO ALWAYS FISH WITH A BUDDY WHO CAN HELP CATCH YOUR KAYAK AND HELP YOU AS WELL. THE WIND BLEW MINE AWAY WHEN IT FLIPPED ON ME AND I HAD NO TETHER TO IT. WE DID WELL, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A COLD DAY IN MARCH 3-4 YEARS AGO. FISHING CLOSE TO A BRIDGE, THAT MADE IT EASIER TO GET BACK ON BOARD.
Thanks Mr Hoover for showing us how reentry is not always easy and needs to be practice from time to time 🤝🏼. @6:05 really made me think how difficult it would have been with a fully loaded yak 😬. As always thanks for looking out for us kayaker’s by showing us the reality of stuff like this, 🍻 much appreciated. Until the next one ✌🏼.
What a great article! I’ve been an active kayak angler for more than 6 years and I have never swamped my kayak until last week. Luckily I was near the landing and did not have to re-enter my kayak in open water. However, it’s clear that I need to practice re-entry using the techniques you recommended. Thank you very much for the tips. I plan to add the strap.
Thank you Chad, that is why i chose to keep a nrs strap tied to my front carry handle as my stand up assist instead of some of the other devices. I realized that if I flip, i would need to be able to move that strap to help reflip the boat. I wonder how many guys have just swam their overturned kayak back to shore or shallower water because they couldn’t right the ship.
Just gave you a follow for that fantastic demo. My dad let us (the kids) go out in two 17 canoes when we were kids all summer long. The first thing we did was flip it and get back in it. Once we flipped it got it upright but it was filled with water. My sister and I paddled it back to shore with the water in it. All my dad said was ‘what happened here?’ The other thing he told us was if it flips, it will still float. So there’s that if you can’t get back it. Stay safe and wear a life vest.
Hi Chad followed your recommendation and purchased the Rogue Fishing assist-strap. Just bought a new fishing kayak, put it in our swimming pool to practice self rescue. I flipped it over and tried to get back in wearing a PDF but could not do it unless the water was shallow enough to get a push up. Found your excellent article explanation on deep-water entry. Everything you cover makes a lot of sense. Looking forward to trying the technique you have explained when my strap arrives.
I agree with a lot of the things you say. Now heres what I teach and do myself: I have the drag strap rolled up and tied under the seat with a rubber band so it easily breaks away. I also teach and drill into peoples heads that your PFD does no good locked up in your front hatch. I have a pfd that is so comfortable, Ive actually driven home and diddnt realize I still had it on. Go try on every PFD they have and find the one that works for you. I actually have 3 and there is an extra one in both my kayaks. Whistles and bright flashing lights will save your bacon. You can lie to me and everyone about the one that got away, but dont lie to yoursef about your capabilities! Let the people in your circle where youre going and when you should be back. A Marine radio will also save your bacon sometimes even if cell service is available. Just get one. And finally Chad, that kayak went over way too easy for my largeness to be in.
The other day I was practicing self rescue in the Pacific Ocean off the Central Coast of California. For those who don’t know, the Pacific is cold off the coast of California. Getting in the boat was fine, but to flip it over, I had no straps and just used my arms. It took me six tries to get the kayak back over and on this particular day, the ocean was pretty calm. Going to try it with a strap next time. Not sure I will use the exact same technique this guy uses, but I hope I can get the Kayak over easily enough that my wife can do it, too. Tip for getting back in. Instead of thinking about getting on top of the kayak, think about dragging the kayak under you. From a physics, standpoint, they are equivalent, but in thinking about getting the kayak under you, you will naturally stay lower and put less downward pressure on the side of the kayak making it less likely that you will flip it.
I keep saying I’m going to go practice this and never do but I’ve fallen out of my yak 2 times and the first time it scared the CRAP out of me and I had to stop and remind myself not to panic! I thought I was cool. I have a new yak and I like what you say about knowing your yaks stability capabilities
Hey, hi. Thank you for your great explanation and for advising safety awareness. I have a 12′ Old Town fishing kayak and flipped it on a medium-fast river 2 years ago, in about 55-degree water. Thankfully, at least I keep a 50′ coiled line with a float, sitting on my bow. It saved my life. I’m gonna get that strap you were using. I’m 71 and that strap looks like a “must have”, thanks again.
Chad, I bought similar strap which (according to manufacturer) could be used as a ladder to get back into kayak, but *from opposite side*, so that kayak has two balancing pressure points: your arms and belly on one side, and your leg pushing tension on opposite side. In theory, it should work as a ladder, although I never tried 😉
Great article, definitely something that needs practicing. I use to carry dive fins/flippers in my whitewater kayak when open water kayaking. On my own no chance of recovery but at least I could fin to shore ideally with kayak. With sit on kayak short body surfing fins would help with reentry without taking up to much room. If all else failures give you fighting chance to tow kayak to shore.
Great article. I’m not going to read through the comments but I am sure there are a lot of “you should do this” or ‘you could’a done that” suggestions. The best suggestion here is get out there and test the limitations of your kayak. I have been out on the water now for three season in my Jackson Bite FD. I fell, well really leaped out of it once. I opted to leap because I didn’t want to flip it and lose the gear that was in the yak. I did however lose a couple of things that I was able to retrieve. This is the time of year when I always tell myself that I am going to get out there, bare-bones and do the test. So far I haven’t. But I’m gonna this year… maybe. So here is the reality, if we don’t get out there and test the limitations, we will have to deal with it blindly in an emergency situation and that is a heck of a time to learn if you will survive or not. This is important stuff folks!
Talk about committing, Chad! I’ve practiced the belly flop self rescue many times and realized self rescue trumps self consciousness (not pretty) hands down. I’m old as the hills and twice as dusty with a slight lean toward being, as Gunny Hartman says, “a horrible fatbody.” I reassure myself daily. You know a fellow’s on the level when his bubble’s in the middle . Definitely following you!
Mid-Late October in Canada. Flipped my Recon 120. I took me some time to flip it back and by the time I flipped it hypothermia was already setting in. Learned to never underestimate the water temperature. I was able to get back into my kayak in the spring/summer with no problem.. I was not able to when it was that cold but fortunately was prepared (phone, safety whistle, pfd, knife) and was rescued. Learning to be super comfortable going back into the boat in every weather/circumstance… I have practiced a lot since then. It is easier for me to go from the front of the kayak (straddling it). I do have a strap now to flip it. Love the safety articles. Thank you.
Great reminder to practice this in a lake. Out in the ocean is a whole different ball game especially in cold water. I live in NorCal and have dove for abalone and spearfish 45 years our water is cold and rough you better practice this its not as easy as it looks in rough water. In a wet suit cake in your street cloths a major issues.
Flipped my kayak in December here in mass! I was lucky I made it back to shore. I didn’t even think about the kayak when I went over my instinct was to get to shore. I was an idiot and wasn’t wearing a pfd either. Lost about 3 grand worth of gear. I fish big swim baits and lost a few boxes full of baits and 4 Swimbait combos.
Great article. Try this; When recovering after flipping right side up, do same as flipping and throw foot hold across top of yak and step in while while pulling yourself in. Critical to have strap at length when your kneecap touches kayak when holstered in stirrup. That creates leverage at fulcrum and reduces drag and energy. Blah blah. Try it and lmk what you think. Great article and EVERYONE ends up in overboard at some point in this game. Learn to stay calm, recover, collect, continue.
I am a class 4 whitewater hard shell kayaker for 24 yrs. That being said, I picked up a 10ft lifetime tamarack this spring. I have popped up in the lochsa river, a class 5 dang, I was glad to get off those rapids! This vid has gave me the lesson I needed to get this tool under belt. Next arm day when I take my kayak to the river. I will practice this technique as it will be over 100 deg F. BTW. These fishing kayaks are so stable… Like a rowboat, but that is from a guy that uses a playboat in big water.😏
Nice demonstration excellent article very useful for safety can safe lifes!!!! In my poor opinion (because all the kayaks are not the same) every body should make his own “experiment” with this subject and having in mind that almost all the fishing kayaks has a pental moving system which takes its own space inside the kayak!!! Thaks for sharing and have “good seas” (this is something we wish at our sailors)…. Have good time every time!!! Best regards from Hellas (Greece)!!!
Excellent article. Might I suggest adding a portion at the end where you demonstrate the foot loop on dry land? I know you can’t do the “commit” technique but show what couldn’t be seen while in the water. Thanks Chad and this is probably the single most important kayak fishing article that never gets watched.
This was a very good tutorial especially for me. I’m new to kayak fishing and haven’t flipped yet knock on wood. But I’m a big guy. So when we do I’m sure the struggle will be real lol. But this gives me an idea of what I might need in order to properly get my composure and like u said. Live to fish another day
This is actually useful information. Have been considering buying a Beneteau 381 sailboat and use a sit on top kayak like yours as dinghy. I have been worried about kayak stability on rough seas or wake from powerboats. I think I can improve kayak stability by designing & making a couple small keels that bolt through those through holes on the bottom. On a previous kayak, I created sponsons out of inflatable boat fenders that made it hard to flip kayak.
Chad, I learned it “old school”, I used a lunch cooler to get in boat, the upright handle makes a good step, almost everything aboard id hooked, clipped, tethered or leashed to me or the yak. Do like the strap with the built in handle. Uprighting the yak is similar to uprighting a catamaran. You rig up a cheat pole on your trampoline for extra leverage when uprighting your boat. (yes, we flip those also) 😤👍😖❤️ Wouldn’t give up any of it! ❤️😊😝🎣🇺🇲
Great article. You have a very stable kayak. For re-entry to a sit-on-top that is even slightly more prone to rolling than yours people should carry and practice using a paddle float. IMO that’s more reliable and consistent than using a strap and hoping you don’t flip it. And once you learn it, you can bring your paddle float along if you ever rent or use a friends’ kayak and you don’t need to worry about whether it’s stable enough for your strap entry.
If you drape the strap over the cockpit then go under the boat when you’re trying to re-enter, the strap pulls the boat away from you instead of towards you. That makes it less likely to flip while you’re getting in. Your weight is pulling on both sides of the boat instead of one. That even works in a sit in kayak.
Great vid. Remain calm even if SHTF. Know that your fishing rod’s especially those with lures on them are not your friends, especially Skitter Walks with treble hooks, I think you know where I am going with this. Fishing N. Key Largo it happened to me, go easy on your leg movement hold on to yak cause you might (I did) get a hook in your leg. Then as you are yanking it out be careful cause you might get it in you finger, ask me how I know. I discovered that when the blood is hot (and you remain calm… NOT!) it is possible to yank out a hook and it hurts quite a bit but not as much as you would think, I think it is the calm part, LOL. Since I was only 2 or 3 block form shore and the wind and tide were not against me I just kicked (once I got the hooks squared away) my way to shore. REMEMBER to REMAIN CALM!!!! Yea!!! I had a rig to right the yak but since I was so close and I was so calm I said PHUCK IT I need to burn some of this calm energy and I just swam my way back.
My nephew and I both flipped our Hobie Mirage LYNX kayaks at Lake Whitney, TX today. We both had H crates, both had 4 rods, yeti soft coolers, and tackle. There were 15 mph winds and white caps. We had to scissor kick it 40 yards to shore battling the wind and waves all while holding on to our kayaks. We each lost 1 rod. Life vests saved our lives. Would love to see you do a article like this on a Hobie Lynx with fin drives. Thanks for putting this article together. 🇺🇸 Semper Fi.
I have tried to get back in my kayak in the summertime at a beach. I didn’t have a strap as in this article . The kayak kept flipping back over if I tried to get back in from the side . I was closer to making it lengthwise from the back, that way the kayak wouldn’t flip over but, it wasn’t easy because my lifejacket prevented me from sliding up the length far enough so that I could get back in . I now know my limits and I made some stabilizers for my kayak and it’s almost impossible to flip over now . There is still a chance of it flipping so I’ve decided to stay in warmer water and if the water is cold, smaller bodies of water. This looks like a great idea so I’ll look for a strap that I could use and just keep it attached to the side handles so that it’s there if needed. If I get back to a beach with my kayak, I’ll give it a try . The stabiliizers work great but it would be nice to have the option so that I don’t have to always use them. This is a great article, thank you.
The strap is an excellent idea, however it can be difficult for some. I fish the open ocean in San Francisco on an Eddyline 14 sit on top, it’s a lot sleeker than most, but the principles are the same on any water. the simplest way to get back on top is with a paddle float, you simply inflate it slip it on your paddle slide it behind you seat and let the float do the work for you, it stabilizes your boat so it won’t flip and let you concentrate on just getting back in. I’m 68 yrs old and have done this in 4 foot ocean seas with current, trust me it’s a lifesaver. there are articles on YouTube showing how its done.
Lot of times when I go fishing all by myself and I wear it all the time is a Surfers leash I put it around one of my ankles and on the front handle if you fall out you don’t have to worry you’re connected to it over 80% of the drownings on kayaks are from trying to swim to your kayak when you lose it if you would use a Surfers leash you will never have to swim for your kayak again it will be there
Very impressive tut Mate. I think I might wait a little while before I get out there and practice your moves particularly the Dead set sexy pose for the ladies on the beach, LMBO, as its in the middle of winter here in Perth Western Australia and its REALLY Really chilly so much for global warming and because its do damn cold there are no ladies on the beach or the caravan parks. In the mean time I will have a go at getting one of those drag straps seems like a great bit of kit to have just in case.
Just an idea…I wonder if it would work better if you tried to enter the opposite side of the boat as the strap. Reach the strap under the boat to the other side. That way, when you step on the strap to get a boost, it is pulling the opposite side of the boat down at the same time so it doesn’t flip back over in your face. I’m sure there is a perfectly good explanation why this is a stupid idea, but at the moment it seems absolutely brilliant and I’m VERY proud of myself. Lol.
Thanks for the article. Im looking at possibly getting one these. I think my Labrador will ride nice in front of my feet . I paddle a lot of rivers here in Montana where there is pretty good rapids at times. I do have some advice for you that we use out here and it’s called “nose to danger”. Instead of trying to paddle around something, you point your nose at it and paddle backwards it works pretty good. My concern would be the seat being so high that it would be tippy in Whitewater
Awesome saftey article and great tips on how to get back in your yak. The wife and I have talked several times about me doing just this to practice getting back in if I fall out. Question though, couldn’t you use the foot strap on the opposite side of the boat so that when you launch it’s pulling down on the side your head is going towards?
I found it easier to get back in the kayak by climbing up onto the FRONT of the boat similar to what you did on the side. The benefit of approaching the kayak from the front is that it doesn’t roll over on you as you work your way back up onto the boat. It’s almost impossible to flip the kayak over when approaching from the front.
Excellent article. I’m considering buying a kayak and my biggest concern was stability. I flat out don’t want to fall in and lose or ruin equipment. perusal how easy you tipped that kayak over was pretty disconcerting and has pretty much convinced me I want nothing to do with kayaks. I think I’ll reconsider buying an inexpensive bass boat. I’ve never fallen out of one of those.
Excellent article. Some articles should get “pinned to the top”. Remember… also entering from the “tail” of a kayak (or paddleboard) is an option if nothing else is working. (think of the cowboy running up behind a horse an mounting the saddle from behind). Not a first option, but definitely an option. 1 more thing… FORGET about floating gear or sinking gear. Belly-Boat-Butt… composure. THEN paddle about to find what you can.
Great article. Had an interesting variation to consider on the entry portion. What if you put that anchor point to the opposite side handle and running under the kayak to the foot. Then just pull down on the foot as you pull yourself up like a teeter totter. If you put equal force it should keep the kayak more level on entry. I can tell I’m going to think this to death now. What am I missing?
Great article. But when re entering the kayak I’ve always found coming from the back with hands and legs either side of the kayak and slide up from the back out of the water straddling the kayak as you move towards the length to the centre. Some seat’s don’t allow this method though but if possible it’s the fastest easiest way especially for those not as capable
To get back in the boat, how would a strap from the opposite side you are on, running under the boat that you can then foot into, the force from your foot then tilts the boat away from you which you can then use the counter force from your side with your weight and lifting yourself up without the boat moving much at all? To me there would seem to be a state of relative balance with this process. I will try it.
Great, selfless article! Would it not be a better idea to have the strap your foot goes in to “boost”, on the opposite side (handle) to counter balance during push up? To clarify: Wouldn’t that pull the opposite side down with your leg simultaneously, while you lunge? Just asking, as I’m simply researching getting into kayaking. (no pun intended)
Here’s the problem. I didn’t see any gear. I used to teach folks in an 8′ pool. You’d be surprised how many folks become much more minimalist in their gear. If you don’t train for the real world, you’ll get spanked. How about some waves? Can ya do it? If not, only perfect weather days for fishing for you.
If the strap is attached to the opposite side of re-entry instead of on the same side, a portion of the weight from the leg would straighten the boat as the arm pull the other half onboard on the other side, I would think. It may require a longer strap extension and a more prolonged vertical entry of the torso but would mitigate the risk of flipping the boat. The initial length should not be so short that the leg offer some pull at first. It should only do so as the kayak start to roll. If it is initially too short, to pull would tend to drag the person to the other side from under and make it harder to get on top. Test and trial could dictate the appropriate length. But also if the person set a short strap but is careful not to use his/her leg at first, then once the boat is vertical, the person benefit of more thrust to pull himself/herself over the boat pulling on the strap. It would translate in a more complete entry in one go. But in such case, trying to swim up to the boat with the use of this leg should be prevented. It would mean more likely that the person need to initially use only the upper body at first. Practice could bring this to a graceful operation! Tying a shortened strap to the nose and attempting to get on top of the nose by a side could prevent the heavy rolling while providing much thrust from the leg to get on top. In such case the fact that the hands can reach the opposite side also mitigate the rolling as the weight is getting picked up by the boat.
Really good techniques flipping your yak back over & getting back in. Have you ever fallen in water with gators? I’m from OH & now living southern SC. Still getting used to yak fishing around/ with gators. I haven’t had any issues & I give them their space. I have had couple big ones blow up & hiss at me & couple follow me longer than I would have liked. I believe it was mating season at that time. I know to stay calm,& don’t try paddle away quickly. But falling in would cause big splash & draw attention to you. I know thier pri curious.
hey man just a thought i had while perusal this if you got the adf strap and rolled it up and over the kayak and then put your foot in it to help you hop up. would that help even more, because youre pushing the kayak down on the starboard side but the strap is then pulling the port side down inturn counter acting the flipping motion of the kayak again ?? just a random though while perusal this and setting up my baitcaster.
Real question, I don’t have a kayak yet. Wouldn’t it be less flippy to re-attach the drag strap to the nose, tighten it up like you had when it was on the side, and lift your body weight up at the nose? Is getting into the Kayak even possible that way? Seems that it might help avoid re-flipping the boat as you did there.
What would happen if you connected the strap to the opposite side of the boat from where you’re going to reboard. Then you can pass the strap under the boat and put your foot in the strap handle. When you push yourself up with your foot it will pull the opposite side of the boat down and at the same time you’re pulling yourself up on the other side with your hands and stomach. The opposing pulling actions should keep the boat flat if don’t simultaneously. Would this work?
Stupid question: Wouldn’t it be easier to get back into the boat from the front or the back? You could just transfer the strap to the front, for example, and still have the foot-assist to get back into the boat — and from the front, it woudn’t flip. Or am I missing something? Honest question — I watch your articles for a reason, I am a big guy like you!
Chad, i am thinking about my first kayak. I plan on using outriggers. My kayak may be harder to flip, but I can still fall out. My question as an engineer is why you enter the kayak on the same side as the ADS strap? I probably need to try this, but if the ADS strap goes under the kayak when you pull on the strap it will keep the kayak level in the water. Yeah or neigh?
Good article, but I am waiting to see a similar article with waders on. I fish in cold water during the winter, and I don’t live in Florida where it is bearable. There are thousands articles like this, but no one with waders. Also, I saw that one time you pulled yourself over the kayak as you tried to get in and it looked like you got smacked in the face at 6:05, then on your next attempt you came in much lower at 6:57 which seemed like a good idea bc you weren’t close to getting smacked again.
I have never done this before, however, would it not be better if you hook the strap on the opposite side of the boat that you were trying to enter and then put it on your foot and pressed up with your foot, putting your body weight on the strap, thereby pulling on the opposite side of the boat at the same time while you get in your side of the boat. Seems to me like it would make the boat more stable when you’re trying to get back in the boat. Don’t think most people are strong enough to do what you just did.
Carry a knife… I learned this weekend while my ponytail holder on my braid got stuck on something on my kayak strapped on the side. I literally had to pull my hair out yes out. I couldn’t make the band break. Then some people down the river stopped me. I just didn’t panick. I went under gained my direction and pushed kayak w a huge shove up and I went down to come out. Then realized I was stuck by my hair. Handfuls wouldn’t come out so it was work. I just hold onto my kayak and worked ripping my hair out to get loose. I got loose just as the guys got me stopped in the rushing water. My daughter was freaking out and I just told her to calm down and go down river and let the people on the bank know I was coming I needed stopped. Of course didn’t catch this moment on article lol