NORTHSEAKAYAK - The Paddle Float Self Rescue

This is a demo of some self rescue techniques with the paddle float. It includes the cowboy scramble, the heel hook self rescue and the re entry and roll. A paddle float should be standard in every kayakers safety kit! If everything else fails, this could be a lifesaver! This video does not replace training or courses! Again we’ve put a lot of work in this video, we hope that it is useful to you! And yes, those techniques are working well in rougher conditions!

[@fgkfriz]

Careful if someone doesnt know english it seems you have to put the inflated bag between you legs. Either put a visual sign,or he should shake fingers to say no. Nice though

[@Northseakayak]

fgkfriz Thanks for your feed back! I did it in English (altough it's not my native language) because most people understand it. But you have a good point! Thanks for watching!

[@ATDistinction]

FinalDestination he (fgkfriz) makes an excellent point.

[@davidGrainger]

Even if someone does know English there is no indication in the video that this is NOT what to do. Do not put paddle float on legs. Even a deflated one. the float needs to be tied or clipped onto the kayak. An unsecured float in the cockpit will be lost during the next wet exit.

Only the second one is working, when your kayak is full off packages, and heavy, the first and second one isn't working. But you need a one hand, or electric pump if you are alone. My advice never, go kayaking alone, because a safe reentry need another kayaker.

[@Northseakayak]

Agree, there is a difference when your boat is fully loaden. But still, most of us do it this way and it works fine. Keep up the training!

[@johnnykwon3999]

For those of you who think this is easy: think about what will flip you over in the first place. Imagine doing that with waves tossing you around like a rag doll. Practice until it becomes second nature, then proceed with respect for the waters.

[@Northseakayak]

Couldn't agree more!!👌

[@josephinebennington7247]

Hmmm…nice flat water to pump out in. What about when it’s a slopping-about ballast in real conditions?

[@Northseakayak]

Hi, thanks for your contribution to this topic! Yes, it's an option. But as you mention, it is up to the paddler to make his/her own decision. I always try to empty the cockpit by lifting the bow out of the water, and then do the scramble. If it is way too worse (the conditions), I leave some water inside and paddle towards a safer place before emptying. Hope this helps?

[@robtheunissen5830]

Very interesting, but I would never put a floating object between my legs in the boat. That doesn't seem safe to me

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you! Yes, indeed, that is why we show it. We have seen this advice given by others, and it is actually a death trap.

[@rwirsig1]

My dad has invented and patented the kayaleg. Not only does it make getting in and out of your kayak easier from the shore it makes getting back into your kayak from the water very easily. On our website you can see a video of my dad the 79 year old inventor getting in and out of his kayak in the middle of the lake. Check out our video at www.kayaarm.com we would be interested in your comments.

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Ralph, Thanks for sharing. I had a look on the website, the KayakArm looks good, well positioned in front of the cockpit. It's puts the paddle where you want it once you're back in your kayak after a capsize. Great that you father invents those things! Give him our best! Cheers, Dimitri

[@tuilorraine]

Thanks so much for this video. It might save my life some time. I'm watching this over and over, hoping to internalise it. Meanwhile I go out alone in my kayak most days on a lonely coast. I have a paddle float on board and a bilge-pump. I am aged 65 and fairly new to kayaking, very new to solitary kayaking. I stick always within swimmable distance from shore because I'm not certain I can get back aboard if I capsize. As soon as we get a good hot day, I'll go to the beach with my boat and just practice all the techniques for self-rescue until I'm sure I can do it. That might give me the confidence to venture further from shore. I also saw a way to do it without a paddle-float. I'll try that too.

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Tui, thank you for your comments, this is why we keep making videos! It's great to hear that you want to kayak in a safe way. If you're struggling with the resue (or any other technique), try filming it. You get a lot of feed-back from this footage. I'm sure you wil succeed with the self-rescue, training on a regular base is key. Happy paddling, cheers! Dimitri

[@oakleyjensen6172]

instaBlaster

[@AaronBrand]

Thanks for the video. I worry that someone watching who doesn’t read the comments might think that they should store their paddle float between their legs. But I like the re-enter and roll option. I’ll have to try that one.

[@fuscofabio9868]

"NEVER PUT THE PADDLE FLOAT INFLATED BETWEEN YOUR LEGS !!! If you capsize again, you will be stuck in the cockpit."These are tips that are worth a life , I am just starting in the activity, right now I am watching videos to go to the water and practice re-entries with the touring kayak, until now I sailed in a SOT self-emptying fishing kayak, which is very different, and less complex, so thank you very much for these videos. Now... Let's practice !!!

[@Northseakayak]

Thanks Fusco, glad you find our videos useful. We also started with a SOT sea kayak back in the days (check our oldest videos). Happy paddling and be safe! 😊👌

[@ashwinbudden5372]

Was able to nail my first re-entry-and-rolls with and without paddle float and execute consistently for an ACA L3 Instructor workshop last week. Dmitri, this video was a big help for me, allowed me to visualize all the steps, so thanks! you make it look too easy!

[@Northseakayak]

Hello Ashwin, Wow, that is cool!! Congratulations!! Glad the video helped you out. Keep on training. Be safe and have fun out there!!💪😊

[@rwirsig1]

For an alternative and easier self rescue method check out kayak deep water reentry with KayaLeg at kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ-vimWEh6eLgZI

[@slabbyrider8665]

All the heel hook videos I've seen involve a rescuer to empty, flip and stabilize the kayak. This has shown me the benefits of a float paddle more than other vids. Maybe I haven't seen enough kayaking video?

[@Northseakayak]

Yes, heel-hook is both an assisted as a self-rescue. Most important: proper training on both techniques, certainly on the self-rescue. 👍

[@BiLatKnee]

I like those sport-sailing boats in the background. Just sayin'. ;-) Seriously, this is quite a good video. Good production values and great care taken in post-production to show multiple views. Bravo!

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you Doug, we have put a lot ot time and energy into this one. And yes, we also like the background view. This is Nieuwpoort harbor, and we use this place a lot, both for recording videos and for training purposes. :-) Cheers, Dimitri

[@thomasbevan9852]

Another excellent instructional video. As a mature paddler who only started this sport in 2019 & thanks to Covid have been self coaching, I find comments about rough water amusing as you can't go out in rough water & learn these skills. You have to perfect a technique in calm waters & then move to more dynamic conditions & practice during every session on the water. Cheers

[@Northseakayak]

Hello Thomas, Thank you! And couldn't agree more about starting and making perfect technique on flat calm water first. We have done this particular rescue with a new team member in force 5 and corresponding sea state within 6 months since he first tried this in the harbor. It works! Have fun and be safe out there. 😊👌

[@marvinalone]

just started kayaking a few months ago, and love this sprots... BTW, my boat is same as yours

[@Northseakayak]

Glad to hear! Perfect choice as well! Have fun and be safe!

[@OriginalAzaeal]

Nice video showing different methods but it looks like at the first one you are standing in the water not floating.

[@Northseakayak]

Hi, thanks for the nice compliment! Haha, looks can be deceving, one cannot stand there because it is top deep there.👌😁

[@philiplongee1149]

Crazy paddling in the North Sea in big waves with a storm approaching. What was the water temp? Awesome skills with the boat and paddle. Does Carbon fibre make enough difference in paddling because the price can be steep? I stay close to shore by the Potomac River (D.C.) so I can get out if it gets rough or more likely crowded with jet skiers, power boats, rowing teams, and a pirate boat (in the summer)!

[@Northseakayak]

Cheers Philip! Watertemperature is now 8°C, which is warmer than other winters. Normally it drops to 5°C, but not this year. As for carbon/kevlar gear, the power transfer is better from water to boat. It is also stiffer, and most likely lighter. All the best, have fun on the water! 👍😊👌

[@trailnscaleRC]

you sir are a pro. and I am taking a lot of notes for when I go practice. new subscriber thanks!

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you, and we're glad that our videos prove usefull! Keep it safe and have fun! Cheers!👌😊

[@explorermike19]

This method starting at 1:50 is especially good if you have knee flexibility problems. You don't have to bend your knees as much as other techniques.

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you for your comment! Cheers, Dimitri

[@klausm4086]

Very interesting video, but how it works, when the sea is rough? I think it will not work....so don't paddle alone!!

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Klaus, thank you. Yes, it works in rougher conditions. I get that comment a lot, we filmed in the harbor because it better to show things. We train on those things in open water also. Training is key, build up from the flat calm, to moving, to rougher water. Have fun and be safe on the water. Cheers 👍👌😊

[@andrewnomad2053]

Hi Dimitri, this video help me a lot to learn how to re-entry and roll. I practice all the time and gain new skills. Thank you!!!

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Andrew! Thank you for this nice feedback! We are glad to hear that you train often. It's the only way to become a safe and self reliant sea kayaker. Well done!

[@domenicobaldassarre3586]

👌👌👌

[@farmer003]

Excellent video, I spent an afternoon doing most of this on my local Resevoir last weekend both without and then with my paddle float. It went really well but I was a bit nervous of the re entry roll and will get my instructor to give me some assistance with that. I’m 6’ 4” and 105kg and don’t have the best of balance but the flat deck behind the cockpit on the P&H Scorpio LV I have helped a lot compared to my old kayak.

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you, great to hear this! Love it when people are working on their safety skills, keep going!!👌👍😊

[@yessicacapera7543]

Hola tienen envíos de estos kayak para Colombia

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Yessica, I'm not sure about that. Better send a mail to P&H directly and ask them. Good quality boats! Cheers! :-)

[@dkolosov]

And The Most Annoying Music award goes to.!…

[@tiaxanderson9725]

I like that you see (presumably) Sylvie at the beginning. It is now my head canon that; she's Dimitri's wife, they have just said their goodbyes, and now she's there recording how Dimitri capsized and fell out of his kayak before even making it out of the harbour. Shaking her head in disappointment and shame xD

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Tiax! Haha, well noticed, this is Sylvie indeed! She's the one that always shoots the footage, I only do the editing. Cheers! :-)

[@wangy01]

Amazing video! Thank you! How did you prevent from flipping over at 4:30?

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you Yi! Can you tell me the right time in the video please. The credentials are on 4:30.... :-) Cheers, Dimitri

[@markgoff5307]

Looks like a sculling brace. The paddle changes angle so that it provides lift with both the forward and backwards portions of the stroke. Sorry for the late post.

[@davetupling2678]

It saved my bacon, i used heel hook method, high seas and massive dumpers into the beach, if the float is tethered to the stern it can be used as a sea anchor or drone, this keeps the boat straight and no more swims, find a good dumping wave, its fun.

[@Northseakayak]

Cheers! And good to see that you are testing the paddle float as a sea anchor. Top notch!

[@GreatNorthWeb]

awesome, now demonstrate with waves when this scenario is more likely to happen.

[@Northseakayak]

Cheers! It works (with proper training) but very difficult to get on film for instructional purpose. There are such rescues in our other non-instructional videos though. All the best.😊👌

[@GreatNorthWeb]

@@Northseakayak thank you and i meant to say "please demonstrate"

[@GurkeundMoehre]

Nice !

[@Northseakayak]

@@GurkeundMoehre thank you!

[@FPVREVIEWS]

best video i've seen so far, because of the point of view. thanks!

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, hope it was useful. Cheers! Dimitri

[@andrewmvenegas]

FPVREVIEWS yes, we see multiple camera angles, but the man is standing on the floor of the canal. He is showing us he easiest possible situation to get back into our kayak. Let’s see him use these techniques in deep moving water?

[@singjing6946]

I like video friend 👍👍👍👍

[@christopherneil3841]

Where are you storing your deflated paddlefloat? Is it behind the thigh brace or side of the seat?

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Christopher, we store our paddle-float, together with pump, behind our seat in the cockpit. Cheers!👌😊👍

[@mikewood866]

Great videos from this guy. I have a cetus and these clips inspire me to do more with it. Thanks

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you Mike! A whole new world opens up once you are fully in control of your boat, keep training and have fun!! Cheers!👌😊💥💪

[@jameswu7648]

Thank you for the video. I practiced in the swimming pool. I tried it three times. My boat is still completely reversed (180 degree) and cannot be angled much (270 degree). You mentioned that the back needs to be bent. There is enough support on the side. Okay, I will try it tomorrow.

[@Northseakayak]

Hi James! Thanks for your story. Is it the re-entry that you are trying? Make sure to use knee drive to turn you kayak first. Looking forward to hear how it goes on your next session!😊👌

[@eduardocortes-dv4lo]

so thats why SUP its better.

[@steppe21]

Hi Dimitri, I saw now a lot of your videos and I'll say they are realy professional made. All the different view angles, are the best way to understand everything well. I'm waiting impatient for warmer weather to practice this with my new Kayak. So long, greetings Steppe

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Stefan, Thank you so much! It's great to hear that you're gonna train on those thing. It will improve your safety and self confidence. Besides that, it also makes great fun, certainly when you have a mate (or mates) to train with. :-) Cheers, Dimitri

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

9 year old video But the techniques are still good today 👍👍

[@Northseakayak]

@@THE-RIVER-RAT thank you for the compliment, much appreciated!

[@fragmaka]

Learning alot. great stuff

[@Northseakayak]

Great to hear, have fun on the water! Cheers, Dimitri

[@conniechipgodfrey3239]

I have watched lots of these types of videos and nobody ever has their paddle tethered to the kayak. Am I the only person who does this? Even if the boat stays upright, it seems that without a tether, one little mistake, such as having the paddle slide off when I'm eating lunch or fighting a fish, would leave me stranded.

[@nektariosvasilopoulos3841]

Very good video. Thank you. Keen to get practicing, and hopefully it'll lead to perfection.

[@Northseakayak]

Great to hear! Once you got the hang of it, you can try the cowboy-scramble self-rescue without the paddle-float. 👌😊 Have fun!

[@jorgecasarotto4858]

Great video, as usual! Im not sure, but It looks like the paddle, once you are out if the water, turns out to be changed. Congrats and keep the vídeos coming!

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Jorge! Thank you for watching and commenting. Yes, there's a good chance that you have noticed that. We filmed and executed every step several times in orde to show all of it from different angles. So when doing the editing is very difficult to make it look like I have only done it once. ;-) Cheers, Dimitri

[@dorraine420]

Thank you good video:)

[@Northseakayak]

dorraine420 Thanks for watching! :-)

[@1212341234alan]

Nice one I used to do the 2 person rescue this was well before this magic float come about

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Alan, Nice to hear! Have you tried the cowboy-scramble self-rescue without the paddle-float yet? Exactly the same technique, but you will need a bit more balance. Have fun! Cheers!👌😊

[@tuberider1171]

great instructional video - agree with the various angles and replay being very helpful - thanks from Australia

[@Northseakayak]

Great to hear a compliment from the other side of the world! :-) Thanks for watching! We're doing our best. Cheers, Dimitri

[@augustinmano]

Otherwise you can buy a yacht

[@garrycoates2147]

Hi, I really like this demonstration of the 3 techniques because of the clarity of their execution. What would be the best approach for rough seas from your experience? I know this does not replace training and practise. Regards Garry

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you Gary! I like to train without the paddle-float to begin with (and keep it with me just in case of emergency). The cowboy scramble is something we train on a lot, even in rough seas. The downside is that the cowboy scramble doesn't work when bigger waves are constanly breaking, like in the surf zone. There I would go for a re-entry and roll. I hope this helps? Have fun out there, and be safe! Cheers, Dimitri

[@garrycoates2147]

@@Northseakayak Thanks for the reply. This makes sense. Regards Garry

[@yessicacapera7543]

Que buenos ejercios de aprendizaje

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you! :-)

[@stochasmvid]

Nice! I like the re-entry and roll, although I'm not sure my shoulders are still up that. I'll practice these in my launch area to get them down.

[@Northseakayak]

Thanks! Don't use to much force, it's all technique. Have fun and let us know how it goes! Cheers, Dimitri

[@siempreafavor730]

Capó sos una masa bravo

[@Northseakayak]

Cheers, Dimitri

[@siempreafavor730]

Q gran video

[@bjmatush]

What kind of light do you have on the shoulder of your PFD?

[@sharpuslf]

Great video, nice cinematography. The roll and re-entry...why would I choose to use that? Is it better in rough conditions, or if I was injured etc? I'm going to practice it a few times, just because it looks like a lot of fun. :)

[@FishNinjaY]

well, frankly, it might be an option for someone fatter or lacking the flexibility/strenth to kick and get up and over the side.

[@Northseakayak]

Hi There, Thanks for the compliments. The re-entry and roll is used as a last resort. I train it af course, but I only used it once for real in the surf zone. It works well, but there will be some water in the cockpit. Cheers, Dimitri

[@sharpuslf]

@@Northseakayak Thanks. I plam on having an electric bilge pump in my cockpit. :)

[@Northseakayak]

That is also a good idea, so you don't have to worry about emptying your kayak yourself. Cheers, Dimitri

[@sevenhippo]

thx man learning a lot from your vids awesomme

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you, nice to get such comments. Have fun on the water! Cheers, Dimitri

[@siempreafavor730]

Gran vídeo

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you! Dimitri

[@ws4032]

Good video, but it won't do any good without practice

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you! And yes indeed, you'll need to practice, train a lot on those things so it becomes second nature. Almost every time that we are on the water for a trip, we do a few exercices. Cheers, Dimitri

[@kristaps2010]

Really good video! professional level, footage from different angles, different re-enter techniques and crucial safety information regarding storing paddle float. But when I saw roll re-enter I was gobsmacked! amazing, will try that one.

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you and glad you found it usefull! Have fun out there!!

[@rickdownunder8904]

Excellent instruction.Thank you

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you for watching! Glad you like it ! Cheers, Dimitri

[@GITMachine]

Came for the video. Stayed for the song. Cheers.

[@Northseakayak]

Hahahaa, thanks for watching and have fun on the water! :-)

[@jondoig]

Is it important to secure the float by tightening the drawstring and/or fastening the clip?

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Jonathan, Interesting question. I don't know of any issues when the clip isn't fastened. Then again, we alsways use the clip just to be sure. I would reccommend using it, as such a clip is mostly standard on such a paddle float. It's easy to do, and you're not losing much time by doing so. Hope that helps? Cheers, Dimitri

[@jondoig]

Thanks Dimitri. I wonder if the float could slip off without it, perhaps if caught by a breaking wave. I feel uneasy about having anything untethered.

[@Northseakayak]

Yes, we Always tether it, you can't miss by doing so. It's a good habit. Cheers, Dimitri

[@siempreafavor730]

Bonnet great video

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you, glad you like it!😊👍

[@vedeoyura]

Спасибо

[@Expandacraftboats]

Get an Expandacraft and you will never have this problem in the first place

[@rolfhendel6047]

Bem explicativo,gostei muito.Blog Caiaque Aventura e Natureza.

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you for your feed-back, much apreciated! Paddle safe! Cheers, Dimitri

[@bouncer2005]

Thanks .... good job ✊

[@Northseakayak]

Cheers!👌😊

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Exceptional self rescue video. We should all practice this at least once a year. I am sure some kayakers learn this in class but never actually practice for years after they learned how. Also it would be good to have a group practice in sea conditions that would cause some to capsize. I have tried to get members of my paddle group to do that before we go on our 4 day island to island trips.

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Thomas, great to hear that you and your group are also practising this. Besides safety reasons, it is also great fun!👍👌😊

[@yetti423]

cut the stupid music please

[@Northseakayak]

Hi there! Tell that to Moby! Or just hit the "mute" button? ;-) Cheers, Dimitri

[@MrJujitsu62]

Super tips !! Thx

[@AndreiUrich]

Ты гимнаст. А моя бабушка так сможет?

[@VINCENTOCONNOR]

Thank you. Great video 👌

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Vincent, Thank you, glad it is of use. Cheers! Dimitri

[@turmacanoagem]

Excelente vídeo!

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you! Dimitri

[@frankkrause9604]

... Im ruhigem Hafenwasser...? Wie Sinnfrei, Praxisfern!!!

[@Northseakayak]

And how exactly do you think we could film this video from all angles, and with all those details clearly visible. This is a "how to" video, not a "show off" video. We perform this in rough water as well.

[@frankkrause9604]

@@Northseakayak Sorry!!! You are right of course!! My comment was not very diplomatic! Learning the self-rescue can only be done under simple conditions!

[@Northseakayak]

No worries Frank, apologies excepted. Glad you understand why we are filming those videos in the harbor. Cheers!👌👍😊

[@bjornkristjansson7191]

Very informative. But why this dramatic music. Please delete.

[@ryanmurphy3025]

Moby, nice!

[@bkay5047]

It’s foolish to use a kayak that has less than a 30 inch beam!

[@andrewmvenegas]

Hey pal, let’s see you do these techniques in deep, moving water. That’s when it counts. Your so shallow one could just take a few steps tot he side as use the shoreline to stabilize oneself.

[@Northseakayak]

Hi Andrew, we perform self-rescues like this offshore and in rough/realistic conditions. You can find them in some of our other videos. But it's very difficult to make an instructional video, the footage will not be stable enough to show details, hence the reason of filming in the harbor from different angles. Cheers 👍👌

[@Carlo.Giovagnoli_22]

Very interesting video but, Dimitri, try it with bad weather and waves!! :-)

[@Northseakayak]

+Carlo Giovagnoli Thanks for watching! We did it in the first place to share knowledge. Doing this in the harbour gives us the possibilities to film from different angles. It can be done in rougher conditions, but it's more difficult to film it.... Cheers! Dimitri

[@Carlo.Giovagnoli_22]

...with waves i use your first option: "cowboy scramble"!!! Good work mister Dimitri and tanks for your videos!!

[@Northseakayak]

+Carlo Giovagnoli So glad you found it usefull! Train this first option enough and you will be able to perform the "cowboy scramble" without a paddle float. Greetings from us from the Belgian West coast!! :-)

[@joseubach6533]

@@Northseakayak And guys, this is why we should always try paddling with a buddy.

[@Northseakayak]

Of course, and it's more fun also! :-) But; nothing wrong with paddling alone, if you're doing it in a responsable way. Cheers, Dimitri

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

Great video! Someone who knows nothing about kayaking gear might find the scene beginning at 3:40h a bit strange... :-D

[@Northseakayak]

Thank you! Haha, yes I know... it's just a bilge pump!👌😁😉

[@1212341234alan]

Surly not, it's a self rescue video, and filled with water lol