How to get in your kayak

At the start of every trip is the sometimes hazardous task of getting in to your kayak and on to the water.

It's the time when you are most at risk of falling in. A combination of wobbly balance, kayak position and water levels can conspire against you.

There are things to think about too.

Is it safe?
Is it going to cause damage to my kayak?
Am I trespassing on private land?
Can I do it without tipping in?

And let's face it, we've all been there when someone, perhaps us, has fallen in straight from the side. Never a nice feeling.

So let's run through 3 ways I use to get in so we increase our chances of staying dry!

At number 1 is my favourite way to get in. The seal launch.

It's quick, easy and, done well, keeps your feet dry. You can seal launch down a grass bank like this …..

You need to be confident and lean forward to make sure the kayak has a small amount of momentum to enter the water. Start paddling as soon as you can to maintain your balance.

… or off a higher side like this.

Dave seal launching into the canal

Always check the depth of the water and have safety on stand by just in case.

And - be careful of damaging the bank especially when it is grass or mud. Leave everything as you found it.

At number 2 is the low side launch from grass/mud. A little trickier as you have to set the kayak up before getting in. The uneven and muddy ground can make this difficult so find the most stable place and hold on to the side to keep steady.

Lean towards the side so if you do tip, hopefully you just tip onto the side and not into the water.

Once in, push away and sort out your spray deck and paddle.

At number 3 is the high side launch. This is the most difficult as there is a long disconnect from our bodies to the kayak.

Dave doing a high side launch

It helps to get the kayak ready first, with your paddle close by and then put your feet into the kayak and sit on the side to stabilise it. Commit and move your bodyweight over on to the kayak and sit down as soon as you can.

Draw your knees into the kayak and put on your spray deck. Make sure you stay close to the side by using your elbow as the connect point.

And now for my 3 top tips…

Firstly, spend time finding the best, public access, place to get in. A quick walk up and down the bank often reveals some great places to get in which makes it easier for you.

And second, keep your bodyweight as close to the kayak as possible when you get in. This will make it far less tippy and success will be yours!

And thirdly, wet grass or mud makes for an easier seal launch. Seek it out!

There you go, three top tips.

Now you know how to get in your kayak without tipping in!

Have fun and happy paddling.

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