The Kayak Entrapment fear and wet exits

[@primrose0423]

Thank you for this. Just had a wet exit class last night with an instructor. I was pretty scared to begin with and when I exited, my head kept hitting the stern of the boat and I couldn't find my way above water. Panicked, swallowed a lot of water and was shaking when I finally got out. Not sure I want to try it ever again, but maybe with visualization and time in a pool, I can get up the courage

[@AdventureOtaku]

You can totally do this. Just take it slow. Follow the bubbles. Once you are out of the boat if you can keep a hand on the overturned deck, you won’t hit your head. Wear goggles so you can keep your eyes open. You got this.

[@deaninchina01]

Wet exit is the very first thing new kayakers do at our club.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I think that’s great and wish it was A) the case most of the time and B) available for all new paddlers to have that opportunity.

[@CarabethRudelsheim-hz6wq]

I like the advice of kicking the knee out. I actually did get ‘stuck’ momentarily in a kayak when I started a few years ago, but as I later learned I was in a cockpit not suitable for my size. Luckily I remembered my coach saying to twist my hips if I got stuck (which he doubted would happen). After I tried twice, I took a moment, slightly twisted and popped right out. Kicking the knee up would’ve had the same effect. Now I have an XL cockpit and no fear anymore of getting stuck. Still practicing, but feeling better now that I’m in a suitable sized boat🥰 I appreciate your clear explanation!

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks for watching!

[@sandrablackwell2929]

We practice exit and rescue skills regularly. When we work with a newer paddler we talk about holding your breath...and practice holding your breath. Then put your face in the water (had a friend who just freaked out putting his face in the water). That gets people comfortable with the beginning. Then we talk about how to exit.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Great idea. Though I have never had someone freak out just putting their head in the water. That is something.

[@sandrablackwell2929]

@AdventureOtaku it was cold water...aquifer fed where we were.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Are you familiar with the mammalian diving reflex? That generally doesn’t present as a “freak out” it tends to make you gasp and be unable to exhale. If you cant exhale you cant speak (or yell for help…) it happens when you hit cold water unexpectedly. It can be minimized by getting the back of your neck wet…. Try it next time. Learned that teaching wet exits and self rescues in Alaska.

[@sandrablackwell2929]

@@AdventureOtaku I have heard that cold water gasp referred to as sudden drowning syndrome. You gasp as you go under and inhale water. We are in Eastern Washington and heading into cold season-thise of us that paddler all year preach about water temp a lot.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Im gonna do a video (after a very deep dive, on current terms) on drowning and cold water reflexes. So thanks for that.

[@Perspectologist]

This was a great explanation. The entrapment concern I have would be related to current and obstruction. The Headwaters Adventure channel talked about loosing a friend when he got trapped in a canoe wrapped around a bridge support. That story has made me more considerate of obstructions in moving water.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Yeah, different kind of entrapment, that one is justifiably scary.

[@rustybrockmann2344]

Thanks for doing this one. I recently did a strokes clinic up in Maine and we practiced wet exits and re-entries during the afternoon session. Our coach for the day was in the water as you suggested and that made a tremendous difference. A couple of years ago I got tangled in a paddle leash (got rid of it after that!) and that totally freaked me. Prior to that I had no problem wet exiting, but that one event was really scary. So now I'm working my way back to feeling comfortable out of the boat and into the water. Your points are all well taken, and I agreee that wet exiting should be part of one's regular paddling experience.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Glad you found It helpful. I have had many conversations/comments/texts/emails with paddlers about why I don’t use a leash for my paddle and don’t recommend them. You summed it up right there.

[@prophecy66]

I've only had one time where I was temporarily trapped, and that was because I had my helmet between my knees when doing a roll, which made it hard to get my legs out. Obviously I eventually got out, but it was a scary moment for a bit lol. Usually I just kick a knee out the cockpit and I'm free. I think the advice about learning with a coach is a good idea to start. I did so for rolling and recues alongside youtube videos from instructors. Afterwards I'd practice solo in calm bays close to shore. I now make it a routine to always practice at least 1 roll every time I'm on the water, as well as self rescues. I also think wet exits are one of the first things to teach new paddlers in a controlled environment, so when they do flip by accident it's not as scary. I did this with my friend and it alleviated a lot of fear once he realized it was easy to get out. Self rescuing was another story lol. As you mentioned your students have only flipped by accident when doing something dumb like reaching really far out, this is my experience as well, the only times I've personally flipped haven't been when I'm in big waves or anything like that, It's been when I'm overconfident and pushing my edge to the extreme to make really sharp turns and I go way too far and flip over lol. I also found that using a gopro on my deck to record myself let me see what I was doing underwater in order to tweak my technique and positioning, but that's more in regards to rolling than wet exits.

[@AdventureOtaku]

the GoPro on the deck for rolling is KEY. I don't teach rolling often but when I do it is the best way to show a student that they really are lifting their heads.

[@prophecy66]

@@AdventureOtaku yeah the GoPro was super helpful for me since I mostly practice solo. It helped me regain my roll after pausing last winter until I got my dry suit in. Planning to roll all winter long this year though.

[@kimmokonttinen5101]

I see you have found your self at White water spray skirt. I think many use them here. Can be that many active padlers play in the waves, and by that recomends these more tight skirts. I think you made an excellent and informative video about this topic. I my self, love water, and like to dive when swiming. So not scared for this, but probably not so well trained yet, so I need to struggle to hold my self from not getting out stright when rolling down. The PFD forces me to the surface. Good to know, but considering some times a PFD with little less flotation, just to practise this easier.....

[@AdventureOtaku]

The white water skirt was the fix for the skirt not staying on, on my first Delta. It still wasnt tight enough for the second delta.

[@soihavetoplay]

Very helpful! I practice alone but in a safe area. I will add to expect small increments of progress when alone, builds confidence step by step. Plus it is more tiring if you are alone since you have to self rescue!!

[@AdventureOtaku]

Honestly, self rescues are exhausting. I worked with a guy yesterday who was pretty beat when we were done.

[@soihavetoplay]

@@AdventureOtaku yes, but I usually do a couple fairly often to stay sharp. It is tiring!! Lol

[@AdventureOtaku]

I used to be really good about making a day dedicated to rolling and rescues (just for me to practice) at the beginning and the end of the season, just to stay sharp… and moving 3 times in 18 months really got in the way of that. My roll is now super rusty….

[@55nimrod55]

Well done video. Clear and simple instruction.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thank you, thanks for watching.

[@chrispetersen4863]

Great topic. Thank you for covering this!

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks for watching!

[@seekayaker]

I use a whitewater skirt on a fiberglass coaming and I haven't tried, but very much doubt that i can release it by pushing on the coaming like that. I also have another kayak with an ocean cockpit, so my knee cant reach the skirt. I teach my students that they can grab the skirt at the side to release it if the grab loop isn't available, and make them practice that on land as well. I scared the *bleep* out if myself once long ago by removing my hat and placing it under the bungies, accidentally covering the grab loop, just before capsizing. That set me back for a while, before I learned the "grab the side of the skirt trick".

[@AdventureOtaku]

When I was shooting this, I realized that the grab loop on spray skirts is in the wrong place and the wrong design. There should be two semi-flush handles one on each side. still make them yellow, just instead of them being a loop, it would be a strap with each end sewn on. just where you are grabbing already.

[@Simon_W74]

Strangely I have never wet exited without a Spray Deck on. As I have always worn one when I have used a sit in side kayak. I think it was my second or third week at the Club when I fell over twice in one night. the first was when we were doing the draw stroke and I accidently allowed the paddle to continue under the kayak and it pulled my over. dropped straight out without have to even think about pulling the spray deck tab. I also mange to pop the rear bulk head getting back on the kayak doing the Cowboy self rescue. which made it fun paddling back to the Clubhouse as wet sloshing around the don't make for a very stable trip. Got a new kayak and returned to the session. It was then when doing another maneuver, where we were turning by combining a sweep stroke with a short stroke so that we we still using the paddle on both side I unbalanced myself and was back in the water once more. Luckily I could self rescue quite easily, and my weight is an advantage in one area of Kayaking at allowing me to simply drop straight out without having to think about it. If I am deliberately wet exiting I have to think about having to hold myself in. I still have to get back up to the Pool to try and get my Roll sorted. I got it then the next time I got it on the second attempt and the last time I was in the pool I just sucked at trying to get a roll. Head was the biggest issue. I even manged to do the cowboy rescue in a white water boat, I don't recall anyone else doing the same on the Pool sessions. They would take the boat to the side empty it and then get back in from the side. Very interesting video Brett.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks for watching Simon.

[@silentrabbit247]

A small deck bag can be useful to store things to hand, instead of storing objects in the cockpit area which could get in the way.

[@AdventureOtaku]

There is no deck bag that is going to carry my VHF (in a case) and my first aid kit - two things I must carry when I am working. I get what you are saying but if you are doing a multi-day trip you have to have things in the cockpit.

[@silentrabbit247]

@@AdventureOtaku VHF / PLB etc would be in PFD on person, small items like a first aid kit etc wouldn't get in the way in cockpit.

[@AdventureOtaku]

@silentrabbit247 So, PLB is always in my PFD. VHF lives in a hard case until I need it. And when you do this for a living, first aid kits aren’t small. Mine is a 15 liter dry bag. So yes, you are right, for a normal person you might be able to get away with deck bag. But for an outdoor educator or a multi day trip… I don’t think its gonna work. But by all means, prove me wrong. When I use a Deck bag (and it is in a few videos) it’s holding a water reservoir, snack food, headlamp, sometimes my VHF, sunscreen…stuff like that. Stuff that would be in a dry bag in the cockpit. But there are always a few big things that end up in the cockpit.

[@SeaKayakingAfter50]

My approach in lessons is to challenge new kayakers to try to stay in the cockpit when they capsize (as part of the assisted rescue lesson). I have yet to find a beginner that manages to stay in for over a second :-). I remind them gravity will always win and that they are just assiting gravity with some decor by coming out with some respect. Somehow reverse psychology seems to do the trick with most...

[@AdventureOtaku]

I’ll try that. Thanks.

[@marycrawford9428]

When I first started kayaking I liked the rec cockpit, because it seemed impossible to get trapped in. As my skills and confidence improved I just stopped worrying about accidentally flipping. I guess it’s time to practice falling out on purpose 😮 as a useful skill. But I just hate being in water.

[@AdventureOtaku]

It is a Very useful skill, but maybe work on being comfortable in the water first?

[@marycrawford9428]

Lol, I’m 63. Hating water is not something I’m going to get over. I can function in water, but I’m never going to like it.

[@AdventureOtaku]

@marycrawford9428 okay…. I applaud you for taking up a hobby in an environment you can….tolerate

[@marycrawford9428]

Well, the objective is to paddle not swim! It gets me out in beautiful places and I’m not very risk-averse. Though I Always wear a PFD because I know I’m a weak swimmer and risk management is a thing.

[@beingaware8542]

people don't wait, lol. They are coming out as they enter the water the first time! I said you didn't wait, and they think they did. I like teaching it without a skirt until they are bored, then moving to the skirt. From my limited experiences, when they are bored of wet exiting without a skirt it's really easy for them with the skirt.

[@AdventureOtaku]

To get over that rushing out of the boat, some instructors do the “knock on the hull three times” thing….

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

I'm part fish and probably too comfortable in the water. First lesson I had for a wet exit was to be flipped in a pool and instructed to tap on the bottom of the yak when you run out of breath to get rolled back up. After 5 minutes they rolled me back up anyway.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I wouldn’t have waited the 5 minutes…..

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

@@AdventureOtaku I did forewarn them. I could almost, about 2m short, swim two lengths of an Olympic size swimming pool underwater on one breath.

[@jamesiversen]

I find the best way to wet exit with a tight-fitting neoprene skirt is to tuck the paddle into my armpit, grasp the handle with both hands, then push forward as you start sitting upright; the pfd makes you somersault right out. That may sound terrifying but since you’re already upside down, that puts your head towards the surface. I don’t fear entrapment if I capsize, but I do dread the head full of seawater! Good for flushing the sinuses, though. 😂

[@AdventureOtaku]

Yeah, that head full of seawater - particularly cold sea water - is….something…

[@TheSeriousWaterman]

Always a common fear with clients in sea kayaks. Most modern kayaks sized right are designed so you can get out.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Totally. But it doesn’t change that fear for new paddlers.

[@bbondsie2]

I'm 6'4 and i can't pop my knee up due to my legs being too long and geometry getting in the way as my shins bind on the cockpit combing. When I enter or exit my boat my legs need to be pretty straight. That's why I get worried about getting stuck.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Totally get you. Here is something to try. When doing a wet exit, don’t bend your knees. Push off the cockpit combing, bend at the waste as necessary , but keep your legs straight. As you are pushing away from the boat, your legs will probably just barely touch the inside of the boat.

[@JakkeLehtonen-Jagster]

I can dive, so being underwater with my head down is not a problem for me. But I would have still appreciated if someone had told me beforehand that due to its buoyancy, the PFD tends to turn the paddler sideways. This effect is stronger with a dry suit. So just leaning forward requires active effort.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I never noticed that effect from the dry suit. Make sure you are burping all the air out of it.

1280 got it

[@AdventureOtaku]

Awesome!

[@gradyrm237]

Do you add hip or thigh padding to your boat?

[@AdventureOtaku]

Both. I did the thigh padding ages ago. Just this year, I added hip padding, there is a video.

[@gradyrm237]

@@AdventureOtaku I'll search for it. My goal in 2025 is costal waterway kayaking and everything I've watched talks about 'wearing' the kayak. Pads would be new to me as most other things are as well. Thanks for responding.

[@AdventureOtaku]

@gradyrm237 of course! Yup…wear the kayak

[@superfly9478]

thank you, now to practice... practice... practice :)

[@AdventureOtaku]

Always.