KAYAK
SKILL BUILDING ARTICLES
See also our "Customize"
section for help with maintenance & storage.
 Dock
Entry & Exit With A Sit-on-top Kayak
By
Tom Holtey, author of "Tandem Sit-on-top
Kayaking" and "Sit-on-top Kayaking, A
Beginner's Guide"
Getting into
a kayak from a dock, and getting back onto a dock from a kayak, can be
tricky. Some docks will be easy, others seemingly impossible.
An easy to
use dock is the floating type, only inches above the water's surface.
Harder docks to board from will be on piers or much higher above the water's
surface.
Unfortunately
most docks are made for power boaters and sit rather high above the water
line. In contrast, docks found at paddle sport destinations will be custom
made for kayakers and easy to use but even they require proper technique.
The
process for getting into a kayak from a dock:
The biggest
mistake you can make is to step into the kayak, feet first, or to stand
up when getting back to shore.
|
If
the level of the kayak (while in water) and the dock surface is
close (about a foot or so) you can use your paddle to stabilize
the boat while you get in. The more equal the dock surface is to
the kayak deck the better. This process can work for other surfaces,
floating and not, like other boats and floats or some shoreline
features like small sea walls.
With
the kayak along side the dock, untied, place the paddle on the dock
surface, 90 degrees to the kayak's centerline, and on the back deck
of the kayak. (Or across the gunwales of an inflatable.)
Sit
on the dock surface with legs in the kayak cockpit close to where
they will lie when seated in the cockpit.
|
|
|
|
Place
one hand on the paddle shaft, over the dock. The other hand on the
on the paddle shaft over the kayak's deck. No need to wrap fingers
around shaft. If you can, grip a bit onto a backrest strap or deck
rigging with the kayak side hand. |
|
Put
your weight firmly on you hands, this presses the paddle shaft to
the dock surface and kayak deck, almost making a bridge or gangway
from the dock to the boat.
Shift
your butt directly from the dock surface to the kayak seat in one
smooth motion.
Do
not loosen your grip or paddle position until you are in the seat.
|
|
| Once
in the seat bring your paddle around and push gently from the dock. |
|
|
Getting out
|
Landing
is the same, but in reverse.
Approach
dock alongside.
|
| Place
paddle behind the seat, on the back deck, and on the dock surface. |
|
|
|
Put
your weight on the paddle shaft with your hands, as described above.
|
|
Push
up with your arms while shifting your butt out of the seat and onto
the dock surface, leaving your feet in cockpit.
Lift
your feet out when ready. Recover your paddle and grab for the bowline
to secure your kayak.
|
|
Slide Show
of Dock Entry & Exit:
Related articles:
FROM
TOM'S SIT-ON-TOP SHOP: Please
visit our book section
© 2002-2006 Tom Holtey
back
to top
|
