Things You'll Need:
- Kayak gear
- Bilge pumps
- Paddle floats
- Sling
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Step 1
To turn a double kayak and rid it of the majority of water requires a timed effort by both paddlers and may be even more difficult depending on the load of the boat. If the combined effort of both paddlers is unable to right the kayak by lifting, a simultaneous roll can often place the boat upright, but will leave more water to bilge.
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Step 2
One paddler must stabilize the boat while the other crawls in. Whichever paddler enters first should be determined before you begin paddling. If one paddler is inexperienced or clearly weaker or more effected by the shock of the cold water immersion, they may want to enter first with help from the other paddler.
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Step 3
The paddler that enters first must then perform a sculling brace, or employ a paddle float to offset the second paddler’s entry. The stern paddler is often the first paddler to reenter. From the stern position the paddler can often see better and assist the bow paddler with entry by bracing.
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Step 4
Be aware that in a less-loaded boat, the weight of the first paddler may cause the bow or stern, depending on where they enter, to rise and make it more difficult for the other paddler to enter. In this case the use of a sling or paddle float may be needed to assist reentry.
