DSC Home | Training | Library | Links | Vancouver Today | Bay Cam

TECHNIQUE By Doug Alderson, photos by Sylvia Alderson

Solo Self Rescue
the face up paddle float re-entry

The best solo re-entry techniques require the fewest pieces of loose gear and the fewest number of steps. The face up paddle float re-entry places the paddler into the cockpit sitting upright and facing forward. It is a variation on the traditional paddle float re-entry technique where the victim pulls him or herself face-down onto the back deck requiring a quick, and sometimes precarious swiveling movement at the last moment to end up facing forward.

The face-up paddle float re-entry requires an inflatable paddle float and sturdy, well laid out deck rigging. The paddle float is usually stored in an accessible area near the cockpit. The deck rigging will hold the paddle in place with the weight of the paddler as they push on the paddle.

The Face-up Paddle Float Re-entry:

1. Inflate your paddle float and place it securely onto one paddle blade.

2. Fit the other paddle blade across the back deck and beneath some sturdy rigging so the paddle rests ninety degrees to the boat.

3. Facing forward, with the kayak under one arm and the paddle shaft under the other arm, lay back, reach as far across the kayak as possible, and give the kayak a good close hug.

4. Keep your head well back, lift your feet up and hook them under the front deck inside the cockpit. It is important to support the majority of your weight on the kayak, hug the kayak closely and keep the hand on the paddle shaft as close to you as possible. Ideally, your bum will be approximately in line with the back of the cockpit coaming.

5. With your feet hooked under the front deck for support, lift your bum up and sideways toward the kayak, continue to give the kayak a good hug bringing the kayak beneath you. Keep your head back, looking at the sky.

6. Do a sit-up. With one hand on the paddle shaft, one hand on the deck, and your toes under the deck, you should be able to drop down and forward in one motion; landing in the seat ready to pump out the water.

Solo re-entries place you in a flooded, unstable kayak. If your back deck rigging holds the paddle securely, you can leave the paddle in place while you pump out. Lean the kayak slightly toward the paddle float to maintain some additional stability .

After some practice this sequence turns into one quick continuous motion-hug kayak, lay back, feet in, hug kayak, move bum up sideways, pull kayak under, then sit up. This technique is easier to perform on kayaks with low profile, flat, back decks.

When the sea conditions exceed your paddling skills rescues are seldom simple. Frequent practice is necessary for the development of effective rescue skills and practice should take place in rough, yet safe, sea conditions.

( in the intersest of saving lives this article is mirrored here from http://www.adventurekayakmag.com

Doug Alderson is the author of SeaKayaker's Savvy Paddler, More Than 500 tips for better Paddling. International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. 2001