3 Kayak Rescues Every Paddler Should Know

[@jillmarcheschi4593]

Thanks so much for this video. I'm a 5'1" low muscle mass 58 year old female and practiced this today on Lake Superior with 15" waves and wind on a cloudy day in order to see if i could do it in a unnerving situation all by myself. I figured if I could do it in Lake Superior I can do it in flat water cold lake. I struggled a bit and used a slightly different body lift because I'm so short and weak, but the paddle float outrigger totally worked. I did it twice in a row. I wouldn't kayak in those conditions but needed to do it in a unnerving environment so I don’t panic or give up during a real capsize. I do lots of sports solo in remote areas so I need to be able to take care of myself.

[@debmaclyman2547]

Thank you for the video it is very helpful. I am starting to kayak at 71 and it poses some challenges for an older body. Having said that...I believe you are never too old and it's never too late. Your videos help to build my confidence and make me excited about trying it.

[@mscatnipper2359]

I started kayaking in my mid 60's. I'm 74 now. It's just placid paddling on lakes these days, usually with my binoculars and camera hanging from my neck.

[@ooman56]

I'm 66, my husband is 70...we just started last year!

[@georgeground8967]

Thanks for sharing your post, at almost 69 years I just completed building my sea kayak

[@rjmyers5708]

72 and just starting with an inflatable.

[@sandrapisarski6597]

I agree with this lady. I LOVE your videos! they are ALL very helpful!!!

[@Kamakazi152.]

The slide whistle missed fist bump almost made spit out the lunch I'm eating while watching this... top tier editing lol

[@bigred1120]

I've been kayaking for the better part of 15 years, but I've learned a ton from you since discovering your channel two years ago. Thanks! I agree with others who would like to see more rescue/safety videos with more basic recreational kayaks.

[@sewhidbey]

Very nice demonstrations of these three basic rescues. I especially appreciated your acknowledgment that not everyone has the upper-body strength of a fit man. I am a 77-year-old woman who has been sea kayaking in a touring boat for about 40 years. I've had my Pygmy Coho for 25+ years. Thousands of miles later, I am still paddling. But I've had to adopt new techniques as time marched on for me. The heel hook is a great rescue for women who can't just heft themselves up on the deck. You might consider a video of strategies for launch, landing, getting the water out of a boat during rescue, and other tips for older kayakers.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Love this. Thanks for the feedback and for taking the time to watch.

[@gatmanja2638]

Went out with a friend today who had less experience and never practiced rescues. I had him watch this before. Without your help I’m not sure how much longer or if I would’ve gotten him back on that boat! We were along calm coastal waters until some fog and wind rolled in to make a calm day pretty exciting!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s wonderful. I’m so thankful it was helpful.

[@dongshuowu3454]

The first moment I thought she’s your wife.. Your mom is strong. Thanks for the video

[@evilkmart]

would love to see this same style video with more recreational kayaks. More specifically a kayak without a bulkhead to see how you deal with all that water rushing to the back of the boat once you lift it out of the water onto the other kayak. Great video as usual!

[@amanda_a298]

I'd love to see this too!

[@iannoble404]

Me too

[@nickyl9040]

My first kayak was a Perception Conduit 12.0; it didn't have a forward bulkhead either So I went to walmart and bought the largest inflatable bumper that would fit in the space , tied a 25'rope to the bumper , used a 'biner to clip the rope into the grab handle that is just forward of my cockpit and paddled away a happy man ,

[@TheOceanviolet]

Please don't paddle this boat until you have installed flotation for bow & stern!

[@karlandersson3119]

Rescuing a swimmer using a boat without sufficient flotation (in bow AND stern) is an advanced rescue skill. More to the point, cheap boats that don't have it built in is up to the user to add proper flotation. Or work on very advanced skills.

[@thidoan6789]

This video saved us today. Out in the Potomac near the Airport and my buddy went in. I panicked when I didn't see him get out but within a few seconds he was up and he was fine. The kayak was upside down we did the first rescue shown. This was his 3rd time out with me and I have to say that if I didn't watch this video it would've been much worse. I was able to keep my cool just because I watched this video. Thank you so so much for putting out content like this. It literally saved our butt's today!!!!

[@jonothandoeser]

As soon as his Mom started talking I could tell that she knew exactly what she was doing! It didn't surprise me at all that she was an instructor!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Mom’s a legend.

[@kimbebout2172]

Shout out to your mom! It's great to see a woman who has a grown son so active and fit! Thanks for the tips on a rescue. I hope I never need to use them but I know it's wise to know different techniques!

[@Dakiraun]

Practicing rescues makes it a lot more automatic and a stress-free situation when the real thing happens. While I've practiced it dozens and dozens of times, I've only used a rescue a couple times so far. One was a vacationing family from Europe at a provincial park; they flipped their canoe, and that one ended up being really tricky because only one of them remotely understood English. The other was on a paddle with my father on Big Creek (Ontario, Canada). The creek has a pretty strong flow to it and when stopped for lunch, he leaned over too far to reach around for his cooler. Current pushed him up a bit against a tree root in a way he didn't expect and over he went. I just talked him through it while I held his boat and got him back on. Telling folks to paddle forward and sort of leap _over_ their deck while pulling the kayak under them is a HUGE thing to remember for anyone who's not tried it before.

[@CarolineEdmondson-c8m]

This video was excellent. I had been struggling to get into the kayak, using a paddle float but this video clearly explained how to use the paddle and float to help. As a 58 year old grandmother it was great to see some alternative method to get up onto the kayak if you have weaker body strength. I managed to get safely into the kayak from both sides of my kayak, using the float and toe and hook method, following the instructions from this video, within minutes of getting into the water.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

This comment made my day! Congratulations. I’ll let my mom know too. She’ll be happy to hear that this video is still helping people.

[@nickyl9040]

A couple of things; Keep a pair of swim fins in your hold bc they make swimming to the nearby shore a lot easier Use a paddle leash Have an extra paddle on board ; I like using Yak Clips to attach my paddle to my cockpit You don't have to empty the boat ;in fact a flooded kayak is much easier to get into Keep 25'of polypro rope on /in your boat It is critically important to the rest of your life that you stay with your boat

[@obstoutdoors6558]

This video is a great example of how a properly worn PFD makes the re-entry process so much easier. You have time to think about the situation verses just concentrating on treading water. And the rocker on your mom’s boat is eye catching.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Her kayak is a Sterling Reflection. Super fun rough water kayak.

[@jimmoos2557]

First, your Mom is gorgeous. Instruction is excellent. The key is to get out of an inverted yak and get to the surface and breathe. Practice is so essential, but, should you go over, you will not be as prepared to rescue yourself. So, avoid big waves and swirls if possible. Self rescue in slop is extremely hard. Again, great video. Jim

[@crexthemage]

I did some group low level white water kayaking in my teens and am just getting back into it in my early 30s. Thank you for your channel! You have saved me a lot of time and money on choosing the right gear and given me some great tips on how to have a fun and safe adventure. Maybe we'll spot each other on the water someday.

[@judithphillips1232]

THANKS GUYS THIS WAS HELPFUL. I WENT OVER WHILST PADDLING SOLO IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR. (I LIVE @ 58ºNORTH, SO IT WAS COLD!) I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW I ROLLED BECAUSE IT WAS FLAT CALM. REALLY TOOK ME BY SURPRISE. THE PADDLE FLOAT WAS DEFINITELY MY BEST FRIEND. I'M REALLY GLAD I PRACTICED GETTING IN AN OUT ON A WARMER DAY.

[@garyhakala5168]

Just like teaching basic strokes, it's best to first to start in calm water. Unfortunately people capsize more often in rough water. We used to go out in rough conditions and practice rescuse. What you can get by with in calm water, often will not work in 3 foot seas. It's good to know your limitations. Great video

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Well said!

[@rosemcdonald6885]

Thank you for this video! Super helpful. I didn't know about paddle floats. We will definitely be getting one. I would love a demonstration with a shorter sit on budget kayak too.

[@ChadPalmer]

Thanks for this video I paddle a Dagger Stratos 14.5L and watched this video yesterday morning because it came up on my youtube feed and went out paddling last night and 100% accidently lost my balance on a inside edge turn that I've done over a 100 times. I've never fell out of my boat and i was with my wife and used the techniques you showed us in this video and managed to get back in my boat despite being an paraplegic so thanks to you and your mom for this video. Now I have to learn how to do it by myself lol

[@HeadwatersKayak]

NIce Job! If you paddle long enough you end up swimming.

[@brianswiger9390]

Thank you my friend, your videos are the best and gets me more excited and safer about kayaking. I rolled yesterday with 125 lbs of camping gear in some rapids and just refreshing things I could do better, #1 being don't mix camping and rapids. Rapids do present a much different situation and the water was only a couple feet deep at most. The biggest fear was traveling outside the boat and hitting a rock, as my body was going at a pretty good rate. My solution for fixing the situation was to find a rock, beach the yak, catch my breath and think clearly. The biggest problem at that point is my paddle was lost. A leash would be wise for the yakking I do. I was also in bare feet and learned that could be a safety issue as you get no grip on the rocks under the water. Water shoes may be as valuable as a PFD. I am gonna search your videos for situations like mine and see if you have any great advice. Again, your videos rock. I was on the Potomac River in Harper's Ferry, WV

[@brianswiger9390]

On a positive note, I had bought a kayak you reviewed- the feelfree Junitos. Being a sit on top with scupper holes, it worked as designed and the water drained immediately, solving one of the many problems in that situation.

[@annekubu7891]

Thanks for doing this, as a occasional solo kayaker I now know I need to get a paddle float and pump.

[@shapnotts2517]

Greetings from the UK. I'm working my way to beginner instructor level just now and this video was extremely helpful. That gorgeous young lady next to you CANNOT POSSIBLY be your mum!!

[@timothywiener5977]

Good video, Thank you! I am a member of Team River Runner that provides kayaking opportunities for wounded/disabled veterans and their families. My particular chapter primarily does flatwater paddling using Dagger Zydeco recreational kayaks, no bulkheads. We have found that using techniques developed for skin-on-frame kayaks, which also don't have bulkheads, work well for rec kayaks too. An X-rescue can be done with significant assistance from the swimmer to get the flooded kayak on top of the bow of the assisting kayak, or the H-rescue gets the flooded kayak drained very quickly if there are 2 rescuers available. After that the swimmer uses the heel hook method or the cowboy scramble to get back in the kayak. If you are able to fit these into your next rescue video, that would be a great service to the multitude of recreational kayakers.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I agree with that 100%. Thanks for the input.

[@joycejohnson1396]

Good I have a sit on top. But thanks for the tips. I enjoy them. You never know when things might happen.

[@MarktrustingJesus]

thumbs up for mom! It's awesome to have her in your life like that. Thank you for the tips and lessons. Great channel.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks so much

[@prileyist]

Just finished your excellent training with your mom. My kayak club, the Yonkers Paddling and rowing club is holding a rescue class tomorrow with several of our instructors so I was reviewing techniques and thank you for the way you instruct. You both have such a strateforward approach with no extra verbiage. Well done.

[@mohamedberrachdi8077]

This is such a well made video! I would happily pay money for this! Neat, organised, structured and straight to the point! Also your Mom is Legendary! you need to bring her on more! Thank you!

[@thistlecreek1]

I just bought my first kayak after wanting one of years. The first thing my brother said to me was, "oh my God are you trying to drown? Don't kayaks roll and hold people under. 😂 No, it's not an alligator. And I'm going to be wearing a pfd in an open kayak. Now I'm researching getting back in my boat if I flip. I'm not the Lifeguard level swimmer I once was. But I'm confident I can take can still handle an emergency. Thank you for getting this information out there!

[@ramiroguerrero6331]

Hi, I'm not a kayaker yet, I'm beginning my education to know what I'm getting into, I have started to follow you cause I understand your instructions, your mom was excellent🌹planning to get my equipment later this year, you and your mom have convinced me to join the kayak world, I'm going to enjoy it, thanks 🍻

[@ianbartlam5338]

Thanks both. From the UK 🇬🇧 just about to buy a kayak and get on the water. Great video thank you.

[@sandrapisarski6597]

I love all your videos. I used to canoe when I was young and finally bought a kayak (I LOVE THE KAYAK) when I turned 61! my friends and I all bought Pelicans sit inside and sit on top recreational kayaks and want to know how to be safer on the water. I have been sharing your videos with my friends. I had canoe class in college and loved every minute of canoeing in my Blue Hole river canoe.

[@VirginiaAlexander-tj8ez]

I am thinking of getting a canoe or a couple inexpensive kayaks so my son can take my daughters out on the water. Your vids have been tremendous in giving me direction as well as safety info to teach them while we wait for summer. Thanks!

[@colinvos4443]

Just stumbled across your video. My wife and I have been Kayaking for over 25 years. Mostly Georgian Bay, small lakes in Ontario. We have a 22ft Boreal Mingene, a 2 seater. I never knew how that float worked for rescue. Always had one on the Kayak though along with a pump. We've never used any rescue technique as we've never flipped but now we'll be ready. Thanks for this video. We're both retired and near 70. Nice you can do this with your Mum. Bless you both.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks so much. I hope it helps. Keep on Paddlin you two!

[@peterharris3096]

Had a kayak rescue workshop where I having tipped out surfaced and held onto the bow of my instructors kayak, he pulled my kayak onto his and emptied the water as you demonstrated. He then positioned my kayak bow to his stern allowing a gap for to me float into I then got both feet into my cockpit while supporting my arms on both kayaks. It was a lot easier then I anticipated and worked a treat.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s a great option too. The only thing that concerns me is the boats bashing around in choppy water and injuring the victim.

[@peterharris3096]

@@HeadwatersKayak Yes, it was on flat calm water.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

A very good and instructive video.👍👍 Doing the self rescue with the paddle float the way you do it can be risky for the paddle blade on the kayak. I broke a paddle that way very early in my paddling career. It's better to keep it lose on the deck of the kayak, even if its a bit more difficult, less risk of breaking the paddle. Recently I had some customers and showed how to do the heel hock rescue on the shore before going out. A few hours later one of the guys tipped over and in no time I had him back in the kayak again. He was in a kayak for the first time, not a young and slim guy but he said it was very easy. You might want to do a follow up video doing a rescue wit a fully loaded kayak. A lot heavier to empty the kayak, I usually need to bring the kayak higher up on deck.

[@shanefanon]

Love these helpful and dramatic action video's . Thanks . You are literately saving my life and probably many others. Thank you.

[@HeidiC51]

My friend & I each have a SOT. I picked up a CK1 (thanks to your review), she has a Pelican Sentinel. This past weekend, we were in a river & she was talking to someone behind us & dumped herself in. The woman behind us stopped to help along with 2 other guys. It was quite the ordeal getting it flipped back over & her on it again. She was in full panic during it all. A video of SOT rescues would be really helpful!

[@twon18c54]

Awesome video and very important info. Your mom rocks and looks way to young to be your mom. Thanks so much.

[@davidmanevich1040]

Also thank you again Dan for some great instruction

[@paddlefaster]

Good video and really nice kayak by the way. I have a new Stellar Falcon that I really enjoy. One thing I think it's worth mentioning is that you should always have the boat downwind from you when you're trying to get in. I've seen too many people try to get back in boats with the wind and current pushing it over the top of them.

[@donnaf6465]

thank you and your mom taking the time to educate people like me. So appreciate it.

[@jenethgordon326]

Thank you for the great advice; I’m here because I tried kayaking for the first time today with my husband; his first also. He flipped his kayak in the middle of the lake somehow. It was crazy. He was hanging onto one side and the opposite side was kicking out of the water. I circled to the kicked up side and held it done while he slid back in. It was I have no idea what to do moment but knew we had to figure it out. Now I know better ways thanks to your videos!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for sharing! It’s so important that we all learn these skills as paddlers.

[@kathleenmcguinness8546]

My guy and I (in our 60's) just bought 2 Tucktec kayaks to carry in our RV. I know they aren't as sturdy as a regular kayak but it's nice to know basic rescue.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Practice on a warm day in shallow water just for fun. Thanks for watching.

[@FreezingToad]

This is some good info to have for sure. I bought my first kayak two weeks ago, so knowing how to save myself while on the river is an important skill I need to work on.

[@jporter504]

I remember the first time I flipped my Moken 10. All I could think of was the huge alligator warning sign at the boat launch. Gators are generally non aggregative but when you are floating in water over your head you wonder about that. I had to use my Coleman cooler with my foot to boost me over the edge onto the kayak. I determined later while practicing that it is easier to crawl on to the bow from directly in front of the kayak as the bow will partially submerge as you move on to it.

[@nicholepfennigwerth1579]

This is invaluable information and you demonstrated it in an approachable way! Both my husband and I are new to kayaking and absolutely fell in love with the sport. We purchased Old Town Loon 120’s as our starter boats and we love them (so do our pups)! Now that we are comfortable paddling in them, we will be practicing our water rescue using these techniques. Thanks for all of your videos they really helped us get started confidently on the water!

[@stevenalessi4710]

I'm paddling a lifetime guster and a tamarack. I had to self rescue myself from my neighbors pool!!. Actually.. from watching you videos on stability and different kayak options I got nominated to do testing. Me and 2 friends were going on a 4 hour kayak trip in NJ (that turned into 6 hours) and my one friends who had an inflatable that popped wanted to decide what hard kayak was easier to get into if you tipped over and more stable for paddling. So I was told to do a tip test and self rescue. While him and the other friend watched. It wasn't easy and for sure a bulge pump is important. Once I got back back the sit in it was soooo unstable. I tipped right back out. The more I tipped the more water was in this sit in as it has no bulk heads so it took a lot!!! Of water. The sit on was harder to flip but easier to get into and paddle away... Even though it actually tipped easier . Probably something newer people to the hobby should do is self rescue and test stability out before going out onto the water I was shocked as I'm in really good shape. Flipping that tamaraipro over was a nightmare and getting back into my guster and going right out the other side caused panic even in a Pool with multiple people around. Keep the videos coming day and that you for getting my family into the hobby

[@earlmcivor8922]

Yup did a safety course and flipped the paddle float because I didn’t keep my weight there. Challenging the first time, so it’ll be a practice point to get better so I look as smooth as you and your mom!

[@rogercortin]

How nice to have a mother like that.

[@KWANDO1000]

Great video. I have been working toward my state instructor cert at our local lake and your demonstrations are right on. Glad I found your channel.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the feedback. there is lots of other quality ways to do this and in rough water situation I would probably modify this but I hope it gets the point across.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the feedback. there is lots of other quality ways to do this and in rough water situation I would probably modify this but I hope it gets the point across.

[@ESC-AZ88]

Dan you came back!!! That’s the lake I spend the most time at, haven’t found a lake more beautiful than that around the Phoenix area, the only other lake that gives it a run for it’s money is Lake Powell, you’ll have to go up there sometime and visit antelope canyon, horseshoe bend, and all the other cool places too see in the area!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Came back? Where did I go? Haha been posting every week. Just did a southwest Roadtrip and hit the Salt River and Canyon Lake In Phoenix. Check out my recent uploads. Also I spent 10 days camping on Lake Powell with my daughter. It was on that trip that I realized I needed to close my retail store and spend more time with my kids. I have a video of that trip as well.

[@mscatnipper2359]

This was a well presented refresher that I needed. Love seeing Terri again!

[@justindavis1546]

Very cool having your Mom hanging out with you. As always, excellent video.

[@skisunvalley66]

Hi! I recently took a kayaking course and wanted to review rescues. You demonstrated precisely what I learned during our open water sessions. Thank you! I’ve looked at a lot of vids and this is the best one, by far. 😊

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beebee1255]

Thanks for this. I did these recently on a two day course. Now I’ve got a touring kayak (P&H Virgo) and need to spend time practising these with a couple of friends. It’s a great reminder of key points. Really clear. I live on an estuary about a mile wide, with river current and sea tides. It can get rough quickly, so these are specially important.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s great! Congrats on the new boat.

[@ksmith2852]

Nice!! Men may win in upper body strength but we are super flexible!! Never see that type of rescue before..heel hook..interesting!

[@dentondunn4346]

I've learned alot from you. I always kayak lakes but few days ago I kayaked a highly flooded river on a 12ft kayak and I now understand why shorter kayaks are best for rapids and such. I didn't tip over once but had a couple scary moments. I always wear a life jacket though

[@jlafayet]

Tailor-made for my Delta 14. Thanks for the great video!

[@tconnolly66]

Just been introduced to kayaking, thanks for so much helpful tuition

[@krakhare7111]

Very informative- I’ve only been kayaking for about 2yrs. I haven’t flipped yet, but I’m sure it’s going to happen. Thanks for the education Dan and Mom!

[@shelleyzoe8254]

good job guys I'm here because I decided to research getting a lightweight kayak that I can lift easily instead of my heavy one which sits in my garage

[@jakebrakebill]

How cool, to have a Mom that paddles at that level. You rock Mom........

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’d like to think it’s because she had a good teacher 😜

[@o.c.stiggs5377]

Mom steals the show!

[@maxbradley6471]

Great instructional video, well explained and demonstrated.

[@dawncrossland3028]

AWESOME! Tell Mom THANKS for Taking a Dive for us!!

[@ElizabethClash]

I always find your videos informative and easy to understand, even for the beginner. Thanks for doing this.. Also, I love seeing you with your Mom

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the kind words. My mom is a lot of fun.

[@G1NZOU]

I ended up using the water emptying technique last month when some kids fell out of their two person open canoe. Rowed over in our dingey and helped them out.

[@Joe-xq1nt]

I’m currently using sea Eagle 393Rl. First I watched the demo from sea eagle. I’m much older than the person giving the demo. His method I couldn’t do due to medical reasons. But with practice I found a method that did. I think the key here is quite simply practice. Oh and not just once and call it good.

[@make-n-mend-Anglesey]

Excellent video. I’ve practiced rescues successfully many times but watching this video reinforces some of the things I can improve for myself. Thanks for another high quality production.🙃🙂

[@MPFben]

Hi from the UK. Love the video, great explanation. Shout out to your mum!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Cheers! 🍻

[@pllee1956]

As a canoiest the first think u should do is to stay calm and flip your boat to make sure the water doesn't enter the boat to prevent it from sinking 👍👍

[@BarryinFredonia]

Your Mom is awesome! Thanks for video.

[@SeaSafari-l4l]

Awesome demonstration. Extremely helpful.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad it was helpful!

[@normascott3613]

Excellent video I tried assisted t- rescue in class and just didnt get it, this video showed it well and wish i'd seen video before class. It is not as easy as it looks. Next to try paddle float reentry.

[@salorjim1000]

Love your mom's Sterling. I have an Illusion I got a couple of years ago but it has never been in the water yet. Got to get going, too many sailboats, and row boat to split my time in. Done a little self rescue practice but could use more. Took a rolling class with Helen Wilson but did not get a roll accomplished. In my 60's now but I think there is still some ability left in me.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s awesome to hear you’re pushing yourself and having fun. That’s what it’s all about.

[@ooman56]

Wow, Dan, totally submerged and you didn't lose your cap! What are those nose plugs you and your mom use? I can't stand water up my nose and my last nose plugs were in the 60's. And they were nasty! Thank you and your mom for all these great helps, too.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I just use the Cottonmouth Noseplugs that NRS sells. Thanks for watching.

[@DennyT71]

Love it. Nice to see the steps one by one. You and mom made it look easy. Thank you.

[@BobBohner4851]

That’s a fantastic video. I’m going to share it with my son and daughter-in-law who are considering buying a touring kayak. I would also like to see you to sit up top my old town AP12O. Thank you.

[@bruceglassford6894]

Fantastic info and demo's, thanks so much!

[@richardjkreutzer3620]

Thank you, as an older newbie this is great info

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching and I hope you subscribe because we’ve got a lot more on the way

[@ffroggy51971]

Thanks for the info. We haven't figured out how to get back in w out going to shallow waters. We def need to try and ur video seems better than most. I bought a ladder type thing for a tube thinking to try it w our kayaks.

[@garysapper8716]

Ladder will not work at all. Try it. Simplest self-rescue re-entry is same as getting out of a pool on the side - grab far side of yak and kick and pull til belly is over seat, then roll to your butt. Just rotate legs in.

[@ffroggy51971]

I wanted to try the ladder from across the far side to give me a step up due to my back back and leg weakness. Ty for the information

[@adminadmin2753]

Excellent explanations and demo. I have that exact Stellar. Given a crowd that does not practice I think the heel entry and the paddle float not likely to be the best. I do like the T rescue followed by a cowboy entry or just tow the person and kayak to shore if they can't get back in (Assuming water not that cold).

[@braaap690]

Thanks Dan and Mom! Great stuff!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Our pleasure!

[@tomfink5009]

Excellent video, and entertaining as well. A challenge for me is to get parallel to the surface of the water, I am a super sinker.........so just have to practice.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You can do it!

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Awesome beautiful techniques so valuable to practice, thank you and your mom for doing this video, very much enjoy your content and love the area you live in, all the very best.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@ericdesanto1831]

Hello. Thank you for all the great info. How would you rescue someone without their boat? I often do safety support for open water swims. We have kayakers that use both sit in kayaks and sit on tops.

[@Little-wg8de]

Was kayaking yesterday with my boyfriend and his friend. BF has a deep sit in, friend has a shallow sit in.. and mine is top.. the friend had a heart attack and went head first in the water.. this was my first time truly kayaking.. I had to jump in and pull him up..thank God he came to so I didn't have to provide cpr but was unable to have a solid grip because his jacket wasn't zipped.. nobody would assist us for about 25 minutes.. finally another kayak towed me in while my BFF towed in his friend and my kayak.. we now plan on having practice sessions on different situations..

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’m glad you guys all live to tell the tale. Sounds scary!

[@Little-wg8de]

@HeadwatersKayak heart attack was confirmed but he's doing fine

[@clahr7671]

Love this - thank you so much! Super timely… needed

[@carlosbarreto1213]

Great job Dan and mom I enjoyed watching

[@leeanderson5955]

Helpful, thanks Mom and Son

[@bertvanbaar5576]

Hi Dan, loved my first contact with your video’s about kayaking! Bert here, from the Netherlnds. I am 72 years old in a while and just starting …. After 3 lessons at our local canoe-club I just got wet yesterday after not getting out of my kayak the right way at a slippery jetty in very still water in one of our many canals …. I was looking for some lessons and ended up (and registered …) at your channel … Great! One question about emptying your canoe afloat: My club canoe has no bulkheads and I was wondering ( as a retired small-boat-builder of sailboats) Is it advisable to fill the stern and bow with closed cell PU foam when you don’t have bulkheads? Hold your canoe bow up, to fill the stern with PU-foam as a thick fluid? Stern up for the bow end to be filled when the stern foam has cured? I will watch some more of your nice video’s …. Many thanks for the lessons!! Say hello to your mon ….. Cheers, Bert van Baar The Netherlands

[@bumblyjack]

I just got back from practicing self rescues today. Good timing, I guess. Surfski-Style Rescue = most natural and fastest but requires most upper body strength. Belly on Back Deck then roll over = easier unless your seat has a high back. Cowboy from Back Deck = ditto. Cowboy from End of Stern = good as long as your stern rigging isn't loaded with junk. Paddle Brace Heel Rescue = tough without paddle float and make sure power face is up.

[@ThatGuyWhoWantsMw3]

0 for 2 on the fist bumps moms:) Thank you for doing these fun , smart and thoughtful videos. Just getting started again after 25yr. Just visited Hayden Island Dicks Sports, (Portlands, OR unfortunately over run with homelessness , non sales tax) picked up 2022 Pelican Mustang 100 for $299 & 2022 Pelican Mustang 120X for $400 . along with a PFD for the Mrs for $70. I was out to door for less than $770 👀👀👀 Stoked to test them out tomorrow one lake and again Sunday on a different local lake twice the size.

[@ThatGuyWhoWantsMw3]

Spam much?

[@aimmartialarts8225]

Love to see sit on top rescues

[@HeadwatersKayak]

We’re workin on one of those. Stay tuned!

[@patriciacomerford3035]

Great help. What is that vertical fin on the back of your kayak ?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

My rudder. It’s foot controlled and steers the kayak.

[@patriciacomerford3035]

Thanks Dan@@HeadwatersKayak

[@clementfryer1194]

excellent demo! Thanks

[@gcnphilly]

Excellent video!! Loved the instruction here. Great job by your mom!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

She’s awesome. Fun to have her on the channel.

[@deannaseguin4342]

Excellent information, I have been kayaking for a while now without knowing how to get in should I tip over. I never go too far from shore, and I always have an excellent PFD with a whistle. I am going to practice getting back in to my kayak should I capsize. just a side note- MOM doesn't look old enough to be your mom...more like your sister..!