The first order of business is to get the kayak upright. The bottom line is that sit-inside kayaks without a bulkhead are very limiting and should only really be used in the shallow water where, if you flip, you can stand up and drag the boat into shore.Īssuming your kayak has at least one bulkhead, let's take a look at how you'll get back into it with help from a friend. It divides the kayak into three unique compartments and makes the kayak much easier to deal with when it gets swamped. Some kayaks have a single bulkhead just behind the seat which divides the kayak into two separate compartments, while other kayaks, like touring and sea kayaks, have a second bulkhead just in front of your feet. Not only does this provide you with a relatively dry storage area for gear, but it prevents your kayak from completely filling up with water if you flip, which makes it much easier to re-enter or tow to shore. Bulkheads are walls that divide the kayak into separate compartments. Now first off, something that will make a huge difference if your boat gets swamped, is having a bulkhead in it. This is why sit-inside kayaks are best used very close to shore, unless you've taken a sea kayaking course, or have practiced and are very comfortable re-entering your kayak from the water. For that reason, it's often easier to tow your boat to shore, where you can empty it and get back in. Re-entering a sit-inside kayak is a bit more complicated than re-entering a sit-on-top kayak, because they don't drain themselves like a sit-on-top kayak does. Instead, we're going to focus on the best way to re-enter a sit-inside kayak with the help of a friend. Although it's possible to do this on your own, it's a technique that takes training and practice, and so it's not something we're going to look at right now. Ready to go. Once you feel comfortable with the setup of the kayak and the lower back, leg, and foot positions within the boat, you may take the canoe out onto the water.In this video, we're going to look at the best way to re-enter a sit-inside kayak, in the event that you've capsized.Practice the forward stroke while maintaining proper body position in the kayak. Rock the kayak side to side and lean forward and back, effectively stretching in the kayak to get comfortable in it. Practice sitting in the kayak. Once everything has been properly adjusted, take notice of the positions of the backrest and the foot pegs.You may have to exit the kayak and adjust the foot pegs to achieve the proper orientation. In this position, you will find that there is a slight, uniform pressure between your feet and the foot pegs, and between your legs and the thigh braces. Your knees should bend upward and outward, allowing your legs to apply pressure to the thigh braces. Your toes should be pointed outward, and your heels should be angled toward the center of the kayak. Set the foot pegs and leg position. While sitting with your back supported by the kayak seat, place the balls of your feet on the foot pegs.Depending on the type of backrest, you may need to get out of the boat to make any necessary adjustments. The backrest should be positioned so that your lower back and buttocks form a 90-degree angle, with your chest slightly forward. You should not be leaning back in the seat, nor should the seat be forcing your torso forward. Adjust the backrest so that it provides your back with enough support. Adjust the backrest. Once you are sitting in the kayak, make sure that your buttocks are comfortably in the contour of the seat.If either prevents you from getting into the kayak, get back out and adjust as necessary before trying again. Be careful not to sit on the back support, and make sure that your feet are in front of the foot pegs. Wearing the same footwear you plan to paddle with, get into the kayak. Next, adjust the foot supports, or foot pegs, to a position that will allow you to get into the kayak comfortably and still be within reach of your feet once you are inside. First, adjust the back brace so that it is loose yet still supported. Doing this in a place that's stable and safe for both the paddler and the boat is essential.
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