How To – Get In and Out of a Kayak
Yak Info | read time 3 minutes
To Begin You Must Get In!
How to Get In a Yak — Dry Tail Method (From the Bank)
- Load your gear securely in the yak
- Position the kayak adjacent to the bank
- Make sure it’s fully in the water but the side closest to the bank should only be a few inches in the water
- Place the paddle just behind the back of the cockpit with the 3/4ths of the paddle on the bank side of the yak
- Squat parallel to the yak and facing the same direction as the yak
- Reach behind you and grip the paddle shaft behind the cockpit with your right hand
- Grip the shaft with your left hand close to the edge of the yak
- Pushing down, distribute your weight evenly across the shaft and slide your bottom across the rear of the cockpit
- Slide down and into the seat and bring your paddle to its normal position
- Then use your paddle to push against the bed and work your yak out onto the water
- Note** Don’t place your full weight or sit completely on the shaft because it can cause it to bend or break
Getting Out of a Yak -Dry Tail Method – (From the Bank)
- Make your way to the bank
- Position your yak adjacent to and as close as possible to the bank
- Position your paddle behind you resting behind the seat with one end of the paddle firmly on the bank
- Reach behind you and place your hands firmly on the paddle to support your weight
- Pick up the leg closest to the bank and kick it out and lift up using the paddle to support your weight
- Step out with your other foot and you should be …pretty much dry and out.
Here are a few great yaks to get started.