Boarding and Exiting

These seemingly simple maneuvers cause many beginning paddlers to take an unexpected swim. While boarding and exiting, you and your paddlecraft have a higher-than-normal center of gravity, which can lead to a capsize unless you’re careful.

Maintaining Three Points of Contact

When boarding or moving around in a canoe or kayak, keep two hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand, in contact with the boat at all times.