How to Board a Kayak
When boarding a kayak, you want to avoid falling, getting wet or doing a split. This article will discuss how to quickly and easily board a kayak using methods that will work in most situations including beaches, low docks, rocky shoreline or even a downed tree. To get out of the kayak, simply reverse the steps.
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Instructions
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Getting in From a Low Dock or Shore
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1
Put the kayak in the water so it is parallel to and near the shore.
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2
Grasp the paddle behind your back with hands spread wide.
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3
Sit on the edge of the shore so you are facing the same direction as the kayak.
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4
Place the paddle so that it bridges the shore and the kayak deck just behind the cockpit along the center line. If the paddle blades have cupped faces they need to be facing up to prevent damaging the paddle. You can grab the back of the cockpit rim to get a better grip.
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5
Apply your weight to your hands, evenly distributing it between the two.
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6
Put your feet in the kayak on the bottom of the cockpit.
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7
Staying slow, slide your bottom into the kayak. You can sit on and slide along the paddle.
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8
Lower your bottom into the seat and adjust your position for comfort.
Getting In While in the Water
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9
Straddle the kayak at the cockpit by walking the length of the kayak.
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10
Grab the cockpit rim with both hands, one on each side.
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11
Lower yourself to the rear deck while continuing to hold the cockpit rim.
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12
Pick up your feet and put them on the bottom of the cockpit.
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13
Slide your feet forward while lowering yourself into the seat.
Getting in From Grassy or Soft Shore
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14
Point the kayak toward the water.
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15
Put your feet in the kayak and sit down.
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16
Use your hands to push yourself and the kayak into the water. Do not forget your paddle.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always wear a PFD when kayaking.
