Capsize and Wet Exit

Working with newer paddlers, wet exits are a big topic in many of my classes. Being tossed upside down, underwater, and 'locked' in to the cockpit can be a scary feeling. It gets worse in cold water!
The way I teach students to perform a controlled wet exit:
1) Let the kayak capsize completely
2) Hand to hip - this gives the brain a task, it helps orient you.
3) Trace the combing to locate the grab loop (or pull the skirt off at the hip)
4) Pull the grab loop forward to release
5) Hand back to hip and push the kayak off you like a pair of pants
Practicing this method will keep you calm and get you out of your kayak quickly and in a controlled manner.
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[@AndrewMoizer]

Great info and a good system for sure. (I am wondering if it's 'gravity' or 'buoyancy' that is still working underwater that helps? Perhaps both help, gravity helps you fall out of the boat, and buoyancy floats you up to the surface)

[@robertnissenbaum]

It's both. I bring up gravity more for the concept. I found it a good way to put minds at ease....'you will fall out once the skirt is off' helps psychologically. Most students end up telling me after - 'that was easy. I just fell out once upside down'. And thank you!