Kayak Paddle Float Self Rescue

Learn how to perform a self-rescue using a paddle float. This basic technique is critical when kayaking solo.
This is an excerpt from the Gordon Brown Sea Kayaking Volume 2 DVD. Order the full DVD here:
www.paddling.ne...

[@GITMachine]

I tried this in a pool today and quickly realized that if I had been in waves or in colder water I'd be in a world of trouble. (because I'm new and I still suck.) My point is, this gentleman makes it look easy, but this self rescue technique takes practice. Great video.

[@rickraub5448]

Yes. Practice time to time even after you master it.

[@ZaphodTube]

wow, thanks, I will train this! Thanks for doing it perfect :) I will try to memorize and train (in spring).

[@robbierolla]

Put it between my legs (still inflated!) and then I can paddle on ??.... not the best advise.

[@singlespeeddotorg]

At about 0:55, you see he reaches out for the kayak to re-grab it as it drifted a bit. If there was any wind, the boat would have floated away. Strong wind and it would float faster than you can swim. he shows one way to handle this later in the video - to leave the boat upside down and keep a leg inside the boat. This keeps the boat in control, yet leaves your hands free to work the paddle float. I teach this as the way to do it in all conditions. Note - this leg in cockpit is not recommenced in a breaking surf zone, but then again, a paddle float rescue wouldn't be recommended there either. I also teach to put chest on back deck and then put a leg on to the shaft with the paddle float. For people who don't have balance as good as Gordon Brown does, this is generally an easier way to maintain your balance. Once you have your chest on the abck deck (preferably on the paddle blade which is on the back deck) and a leg on the shaft, you have excellent balance and can stop and rest if needed before starting the spin to get your legs and then body into the cockpit.

[@mark47n]

Never lose contact with your boat! Absolutely!

[@rosemaryszponarski2632]

This is very poorly done. You should never put the paddle float between your legs afterwards as this will wedge your legs into the kayak. If you were to capsize you’d have trouble getting your legs out.

[@ameliahunt8516]

Curious as to why you teach to stow the inflated bag in the cockpit? Why not put spray deck back on with float still inflated, then deflate and store on the person (in PFD), where it will be handy if needed again? Just thinking if you had a second wet exit, the float could be lost as it's not secured.

[@Chuubie]

Agreed. We were taught not to stuff it into the cockpit because it could get stuck or in your way if you needed to quick exit. You want that area clear. Keep it under your bungees instead, then you can deflate later and also have it in hand for next use.

[@mark47n]

Recognizing Gordon's personage and having paddled with him in Deception Pass, in Washington State USA, I'd add a few comments: Never, ever let go of your boat. They get a away from you in a hurry. I tend to grasp the coaming and paddle shaft rather than the deck rigging, it's a more stable anchor point. Hook your leg over the shaft to add stability while reentering. Which leg you choose will impact whether you slide into the cockpit or you sit up while dropping your butt in the seat. I do the latter. Use the float and paddle to stabilize your position by sticking the blade under BOTH arms and edging onto it while you pump out your cockpit and get yourself put back together. Stow your gear by shoving it wherever you can, depending on conditions and carry on. If it was a real self rescue in conditions be prepared to capsize again when the adrenaline drops off. I've seen it before.

[@clintbrown4788]

So simple, but it will still take a lot of practise for a novice like me.

[@stochasmvid]

Awesome, thank you! You make it look so easy! But I'll be practicing this in my launch area to get it down.

[@PaddleDogC5]

in rough water you didn't put your spray skirt on.

[@RRVideosAndSound]

I like this technique because the front of my PFD tends to get caught on the combing

[@elisabethleguin4449]

I have this problem big-time. As in, it takes me multiple tries...Trying to work out if it's an arm-strength issue or something else.

[@BiLatKnee]

Is it a good idea to jam an inflated paddle float between your knees like that? Doesn't that make it hard to get out of the cockpit for a wet exit in case of roll-over?

[@rupertharding1175]

Not a good idea, as stated with paddle float inflated between the legs if a second wet exit is required getting out is difficult, once your spray deck/skirt is back on you should deflate the float and store below deck lines or inside PFD.

[@MsQuisch]

I think if you were in a hurry (to get away from rocks for instance) you might just stow and go. Or perhaps if the water were really rough and you were trying to get to a more sheltered spot. I'm not sure I would want to travel far like that, but I certainly could see not wanting to try to get all the air out before proceeding.

[@Romany1111]

Conditions that may prompt one to use the float will still be there upon reentry. Tethering the float to the kayak can be a good idea. Leave it inflated. After reentering cockpit, toss it behind you. It will be ready if another capsize occurs, and its bright color will also alert other boaters to your presence.

[@MadKev50]

Quicker /easier to pop the float on the paddle then inflate?

[@kristofferrydquist8384]

Agree. I find that it can be very difficult to get the paddle blade into my inflatable float if I inflate it just a bit too hard.

[@KarenOrders]

Plus it seems more secure to have it on the paddle first so the float doesn't get away and you have to hold the paddle anyway.

[@Rocstoneau]

Thanks!

[@comeraczy2483]

Whoever posted this should be ashamed, remove the video and make a substantial donation to a water safety charity. There are at least two major mistakes that could have severe consequences including death: stowing an inflated paddle float in the cockpit (could cause entrapment on a subsequent capsize) and letting go of the boat (if there is any wind, that kayak is gone forever). Also, the float should be secured on the paddle before inflating it otherwise it will be gone with the wind as well.

[@alanhall6504]

I know Gordon and he is a seriously good coach and highly qualified. However this is a seriously dangerous method of self rescue. You would need to have a lot of confidence and a lot of practice. Most of this is taught in swimming pools, it's a different ball game in rough water and you are not going to fall out if it is flat calm. A lot of coaches have stopped teaching this, there are many better self rescues to use. If you are in company get your mate to empty your boat and climb back in, raft up till your deck is back on and you are stable. Take time to learn good rescues techniques, it might save your life. A young man died very near where I live trying to do a paddle float rescue, it was heartbreaking as I knew that half an hour in a pool he would still be here. GET THE RIGHT TRAINING.