How To – Get In and Out of a Kayak

Yak Info | read time 3 minutes

To Begin You Must Get In!

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

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.