One of the most important safety techniques for kayak fishermen to learn is how to get back on the boat after falling into deep water. Whether a wave knocks you off balance or just a simple wrong move, most kayak fishermen will end up in the water at least once in their life and getting back on the boat is a critical safety technique!
Step 1
If the kayak has been rolled over the first thing you will need to do is “right the ship”. Reach over the bottom of the kayak to the far side scuppers, grab them while bringing your knees to the bottom of the boat. Using all your body weight, lean back, this should roll the boat to right side up.
Step 2
Position yourself so that your head is in the center of the kayaks cockpit. Allow your body to float to the surface. Now that body is floating belly down, reach across the kayak to the far side with 1 arm, keeping the other arm on the near side.
Step 3
Start kicking your feet, as if swimming towards the kayak, pull your body onto the boat belly down. Continue kicking and pulling until your belly button is centered in the cockpit.
Step 4
Now that your body is in the cockpit, roll over to position your backside in the seat. Your feet will still be hanging in the water, turn your body and position yourself in the normal seated position.
TIPS
- Practice this technique in a safe area. A large pool with nobody else around works well.
- NEVER go out into the surf without having mastered this technique.
Comment here