Kayaking | How to Wet Exit || REI

When your kayak flips and you have no choice but to take a swim, there are a few steps to make sure you get out of your boat safely. This video shows how to remove your spray skirt and push yourself out of your kayak. Watch it, take a friend and give it a try.
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[@tim1398]

This assumes that that the thigh braces are far enough apart to allow you to bring raise both knees at the same time. But in most narrow (~22"-24") fiberglass or thermoformed kayaks (ie non-rotomolded) the braces come in far enough that it's not possible for many people.

[@michaelsrowland]

How long do you have to hold your breath for?

[@bazukathatraluca]

you don’t have to hold your breath for a certain amount of time, just as long as it takes to exit! Most people can hold their breath for up to a minute so there’s plenty of time as long as you keep calm 🤍

[@michaelsrowland]

@@bazukathatraluca but how do you keep calm. I can only hold my breath for 5 seconds

[@bazukathatraluca]

m rowland that’s a great question , I think it’s more about trust, I’m still working it out myself

[@bazukathatraluca]

@@michaelsrowland I did the wet escape last week! It’s totally over and done with before you know it

[@JackRR15]

@@michaelsrowland If you can only hold your breath truly for 5 seconds before needing to gasp for air, I'd say don't go in the water haha

[@Seattle_Daniel]

The paddler in the video dropped their paddled and grabbed the spray skirt release handle with both hands. That works fine in calm waters. Any wind or waves and your paddle is gone. They should teach how to do a wet exit and keep hold of the paddle. This is a very basic how-to video that teaches an un-safe technique.

[@martin.feuchtwanger]

At the very least, keep the paddle alongside the boat and resurface on that same side.

[@ally8490]

No paddle leash?

[@Skipper77777777]

A paddle leash could be a serious entanglement hazard in certain conditions, i.e. surf. There are pros and cons to many things…

[@gmancolo]

Darwinism.

[@christinegates4453]

No skirt for me!

[@brianness174]

me neither,too hot.

[@MyCommentsRMaturelol]

why do you flip it instead of just like, diving out?

[@gh0stygal]

sometimes if you lean too far while turning it can flip by accident - especially in unstable narrow kayaks

[@martin.feuchtwanger]

Three reasons: 1. Not enough time 2. Not enough room 3. Spray-skirt retention

[@christiandawson5031]

At least mention rolling so new boaters are aware it’s an option?

[@slimetime4668]

No…this is absolutely the first and only thing new kayakers should learn….a roll can fail this won’t….

[@gmancolo]

Uh, learn to roll.

[@PaddleDogC5]

😳😱😳😱

[@InfinityFishing]

NeXT you have to buy new Fishing gear ;)

[@BeardedOmen]

Who wants to lend me a kayak and a skirt 😂😂😂 no. For real. Ima be practicing now.