How to Mount a Kayak in Open Water
Mounting a kayak in open water without the assistance of a grounded or solid object can be one of the most difficult tasks in the sport. With practice, however, open water entry can be as easy as launching from land.
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Instructions
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Open Water Kayak Mounting
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Get righted and in a safe place. If you're in the water and not in your boat, it means you've either fallen out or you're swimming out to the boat. First make sure you have your life vest on. Then, if your boat is upside down (and you have not already done so) flip the boat right side up. Put your paddle in the cockpit and then get yourself and the kayak to as safe as a position as possible -- that is, away from navigable channels or other hazards.
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Get with the wind and current. Swim to the front of your boat, put the bow toward your chest, and turn your back to the wind. If there is no wind, turn your back to the current. This will help keep the kayak from tracking with the wind as you remount it.
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Use your paddle. Retrieve your paddle from the cockpit and place it perpendicular with the boat and hold onto it. Ideally, you will be at the front of your boat with your hands up on the bow with the paddle perpendicular to the length of the boat. This positioning will help prevent rolling while you get back into your boat.
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Pull yourself up. With the paddle still perpendicular to the length of the boat, pull yourself out of the water, and straddle the bow of the boat. It is best if you lay flat (face down), with one leg on either side of the boat. Keep holding the paddle to prevent rolling.
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Shimmy up to the cockpit, slowly and deliberately. When you are about a half-body length away from the cockpit, sit up briefly, swing the paddle over your head and rest it perpendicular to the length of the boat right behind you. Swing your legs out from under you and into the cockpit, and twist your body as you reenter the boat. You may have to let go of the paddle with one hand as you do this. Bail out any standing water in the boat and continue on your way.
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Tips & Warnings
These steps may not work with all types of kayaks. Slender ocean kayaks are less stable and may require more finesse or mounting from the rear. Flatter-bottomed kayaks are durable in most conditions and you may be able to simply grab on and swing your feet into the cockpit without having to worry about wind and rolling. If you are able to do so, try these techniques in a swimming pool or other standing water where you can easily swim to shore if you are not able to master the technique.
If you are new to kayaking or are not comfortable with these re-entry techniques, many canoe and kayak outfitters offer classes on re-entry techniques, rolling, and tracking. Kayaking, like any sport, can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing, so be sure you are comfortable with the sport and your boat before heading out to open waters.
