Exiting a Kayak
- Move the kayak until it is parallel to the shoreline in at least ankle-deep water.
- Place the paddle across the boat at the back of the cockpit. Extend the paddle out farther on the side facing the shore.
- Push your upper body out of the cockpit, and sit on the deck and the paddle behind the cockpit.
- Put both hands behind you.
- With the hand farthest from shore, hold onto both the back of the coaming and the paddle. You may need to sit up a little to grab the coaming.
- With the other hand, hold the paddle just beyond the boat’s side.
- Lean the kayak toward the shore until the paddle blade sits firmly against the bottom of the body of water.
- Swing your legs out of the cockpit and over the side of the boat. The paddle blade pressing against the ground provides support and stability.
- Slide your body off the boat and into the shallow water.
- Note: On a sandy shoreline, you may want to speed up and beach the boat. Then you can exit easily.