So the other day, I lost my balance during a planned kayak exit. I fell into the water up to waist, soaking my PFD, clothes, shoes (and maybe dampering my ego a bit too). Which brings us to this article. Need to brush up on your kayaking exit skills? Check out these tips and quick videos on different types of planned and capsize recreational kayak exits…

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Exiting your recreational Kayak: Safety first

First things first – Ensure you’re wearing a PFD life jacket every single time you kayak. That is the absolute number one safety tip. Even with years of paddling expertise under your belt, things can happen and preparation with wearing a properly-fitted and buckled PFD can literally mean the difference between life or death.

When I fell out of my boat, I was in chilly alpine lake water (albeit warmed a bit from late summer), but could easily stand and pull my boat up the beach. I was safe and never felt in danger – if anything, the experience was a bit of a laugh. It was a planned exit that went sideways (literally). But that may not always be the case!

Next key tip after wearing a PFD is to dress properly – know the weather and water conditions, and be prepared with wearing the right (cotton-free) clothing. We wrote up an article about what to wear kayaking if you need some advice there. Also I was glad to have water shoes buckled on my feet when I needed them most.

And pro tip? It’s a good idea to keep a towel and set of clean clothes in your car trunk just in case you need to dry off and change during your outdoor adventure. I also like to keep sandals or sneakers in my vehicle to swap shoes for the journey home from kayaking.

So, whether you’re a seasoned or beginner recreational kayaker, ensure a safe disembark every time. Here's a comprehensive guide on doing it right, for an unplanned or planned kayak exit…

Choose the right spot to exit

Ideally, when you’re planning to dismount your boat, you should aim for a stable ground such as a sandy beach or a designated docking area. Rocky or slippery surfaces can make the exit tricky and pose a risk of slipping.

Position your paddle

Before you start the exit, secure your paddle. If you’re near the shore, you can place it parallel to the kayak, ensuring half of it is on land and half on the water. This gives you something to hold onto, adding stability during the exit process.

Exiting on calm water or shoreline

Shoreline exit tips:

• Sit up straight, remove your feet from foot braces, and swing them outside.

• Holding the sides of the kayak for support, slowly shift your weight and slide out onto your knees.

• From this position, it’s easier to stand up while ensuring balance.

Calm water exit tips:

If you’re not near the shoreline, the process is similar, but you’ll end up in the water. Make sure the water is shallow enough to stand or be prepared for a brief swim to shore.

Dock exits

Many kayak entry and exit launch points are from a dock. Check out this video to see how to best balance your body weight and stay safe during a dock exit.

The capsize exit

Capsizing your kayak can be unintentional, but knowing how to get out safely is vital in case it ever happens to you.

Wet exit technique:

• Remain calm. Panicking can make the situation harder.

• Release your spray skirt if you have one on.

• Tuck forward, towards the front of the kayak, and push yourself out.

• Swim up to the surface, holding onto your paddle and kayak.

Pro kayaking tip: One thing that really helped me with learning the wet exit was taking a kayaking pool skills class in a safe, controlled environment with expert ACA-certified coaches. I was learning about whitewater kayaking in this scenario, but flipping upside down and practicing first-hand really helped take any fear away of this scenario so if it happens to me out in the wild I can (hopefully) feel more calm, controlled, and therefore focus on my safety.

The scramble technique:

If you find yourself capsized and out of your kayak in deeper water, the scramble technique helps you re-enter without going to the shoreline.

Here’s how to do it – and we recommend you check out some videos to watch demos for stronger understanding.

• Approach the kayak from the side.

• Grab the far edge of the kayak with both hands.

• Kick your feet to give momentum and hoist your torso onto the kayak, belly down.

• Rotate your body and sit back in the seat, then swing your legs in.

Buddy exit technique

If you're kayaking with a friend, they can help stabilize your kayak, making it easier to get out.

Here’s the process:

• Your buddy should approach and position their kayak parallel to yours.

• Hold onto each other’s boats for added stability.

• Carefully exit one kayak at a time.

Tips for a graceful kayak exit

1. Mind your center of gravity: Keep your weight centered and low. It reduces the risk of tipping or stumbling as you disembark. This was my error the other day that caused me to lose my balance!

2. Use your hands: Use them for balance and to hold onto the kayak or paddle, especially if the water is choppy.

3. Be conscious of your surroundings: Always check the water for obstacles or potential hazards like sharp rocks.

4. Wear proper footwear: Waterproof shoes with a good grip can make your exit safer, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces.

Conclusion

Exiting a kayak may seem like an easy thing to accomplish in theory, but doing it safely ensures that your kayaking adventure is enjoyable from start to finish. By familiarizing yourself with these planned and capsize methods and practicing regularly, you'll be better prepared to disembark with grace and safety in any situation.

Remember, like any skill, safely exiting your kayak improves with practice. So, whether you’re venturing into calm lakes or exploring windy rivers, knowing how to exit properly and safely should be an integral part of your (and mine) kayaking tours and adventures.