How To Re-Enter A Kayak In Deep Water [Standard & Trick Method]

[@michaelspungin439]

I don’t own a kayak but I may need this information in the future.

[@stealthhelp]

Smart man. Maybe not you, but could help save a life.

[@YourFaceSucksAlot]

Almost drowned in the ocean last night, luckily my friend had already went looking for me or I would have died. If I knew how to do this I may not have not have taken on so much water for the kayak to become submerged

[@Everettalla]

Big smart energy

[@Uncommonsensetoo]

This may work for you on a relatively short and wide sit-on-top kayak. Good luck with that method on a long and narrow sit-inside kayak (which is a lot faster and more efficient in the water). Unless you have a so-called paddle float, the only way is to get up on one of the ends. Unless you have a rudder I suggest the rear as you can just slide yourself forward to the cockpit.

[@mnight207]

That’s why I watch so many different videos. I prepare myself. Good man!

[@aaronlfz]

This saved my life back in December, I was out pretty far on Clearwater pass and tried to get back in my kayak from a bridge piling, ended up slipping and immediately did this. Thank you so much for this.

[@Saltstrong]

So glad to see that this method of getting back into a kayak helped you save your life when in a scary situation! Thanks for sharing the feedback.

[@janelleryan7869]

oh how I miss Clearwater

[@michaelbailey7472]

Michael

[@fin6237]

I was recommended to watch max falls out of kayak 3 days ago, and now I was recommended this like am I gonna fall out of a kayak in the future

[@finnthecozyboiii]

Dude exact same

[@morgand7551]

Wait stop me too exactly

[@greengreen2331]

So was I lol

[@Lauren-bf1ic]

Whaaaaaat omg same is KZbin trying to tell me something 😬😅

[@finlaybaker466]

haha that means something

[@kathylatham6059]

Newbie kayaker here. I watched this video with my partner the night before we kayaked for the first time. My kayaked flipped. I remembered these tips and was able to get back up into it. I will admit, when I got my belly button up into the kayak and was stable, I started laughing so hard. Thank you for this video. I love kayaking and can't wait to go again!

[@Saltstrong]

So glad to see that this video helped you get back into your kayak!

[@A-Future-Champion]

This video saved your life then 🎉

[@MegaTheRatman]

Dumped my Kayak for the first time last weekend in running water on the river and remembered this video that I had watched as newb kayaker. I am an older and a bit over weight fella and didn't think I would be able to pull it off but it worked perfectly. I am not saying it saved my life or anything like that but it did impress my friends and saved me from an embarrassing swim to shore while they chased down my boat and gear. Just wanted to say thanks!

[@BK-qe6yo]

Why were you running rapids in a sit on top please tell me

[@hedgehog3900]

@@BK-qe6yo Why assume there were rapids please tell me.

[@BK-qe6yo]

@@hedgehog3900 "running water" grade 1 rapids stupid idea to run in a sit on top happy Christmas

[@letsgotribe3064]

@@BK-qe6yo if you get a tarpon 120 itll run class 3 rapids perfectly. And dont be such a jagoff.

[@serigraph73]

it didnt save your life? So you are making this post from beyond the watery grave?

[@jennienightingale727]

i'm here thanks to max. won't repeat his mistakes

[@Xcemic]

?

[@bippitybopitybooty4208]

Saraaaahhh

[@RahamPham]

@@bippitybopitybooty4208 i just saw that video too and this come to my recommendation lol

[@morechickentacos]

Lmao i JUST saw the video (Thanks weird KZbin recommendations) and was thinking: ok but how could Max get into the kayak again?! And this vídeo showed up, the algorithm is craaaazyyy

[@clemfandango6897]

After watching max fall out of his kayak, i figured this would be useful information

[@nathanilemiller7750]

Please kiss me

[@MadiChampagne]

Same

[@eldoona3858]

R u stalking me... I was just watching that video

[@noodlehead69]

😂😂oh sarahhhh helpmmeee

[@zvakicauwu]

omg same

[@PBSodaCurtis]

Max needs to watch this video. Sarah had to help him...

[@clairegillman]

SubscRIBED

[@AaronBrand]

How do you know Max and Sarah?

[@clairegillman]

Aaron Brand they're my mom and dad

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

who...?

[@Nu00dle]

Lmao that video was funny

[@zvakicauwu]

This guy: makes this video Comments: MAX

[@danackerman7551]

I watched this years ago when I first bought my sit on top kayak. I immediately remembered this video when I ended up in this situation a few weeks back. I wanted to come back and say thank you it definitely helped me keep calm and focus on getting back on the boat quickly and efficiently

[@Saltstrong]

Glad your ok and thanks for the support!

[@Sgianachlais]

He mentions keeping his paddle under control quite a lot. I scuba dive from my sit on top kayak and one of the first rules is, all kit is lashed or attached to the kayak so that should you overturn you are not going to lose expensive dive kit. This is also true for the paddle, which may not be expensive but is a pretty important bit of kit, so i always use a paddle leash. In my case it is not a shop bought leash but a simple piece of line long enough to give me easy movement of the paddle and to attach the paddle to the kayak. This is also useful when kitting up for diving as i can throw the paddle over the side and forget about it but still have more room on the kayak.

[@rubywilcox7405]

Woah I've never heard of a paddle leash.

[@lauriemontour7888]

Agree with you. In moving water, your paddle could so quickly drift away.

[@DanteYewToob]

Me watching this: "Interesting... I have no Kayak." Me reading the comments: "Interesting... I have no clue who max or Sarah are."

[@simpleminded5215]

Here a month later I’m right here with you. The things we learn on KZbin.

[@stephan1e05]

No answer yet on who max and Sarah are

[@jose2226]

Life

[@2chainz391]

A guy name max fell out of his kayak and got 10 million views

[@Some_kind_of_wonderfü]

Literally me 😂

[@ronski50]

Great tip. BTW by placing the paddle as he has shown, it becomes an outrigger to stabilize the kayak from tipping back over as you enter. An alternate way of getting back on the yak is to go to the stern, pull down on the stern, then scoot yourself up on your belly. Wriggle to the seat, spread your legs, push your body upright in the seat. There is less chance of capsizing with this method.

[@nvelsen1975]

Not much of an outrigger like this though... But they sell inflatable paddle covers specifically for the purpose of using an air pocket to make your paddle a stable outrigger.

[@Slowhand871]

As a excellent swimmer that swims open water2- 3 miles every other day and a kayaker I never ever go out without my life jacket that has a whistle attached to it. Sound carries a great distance on water. Never go without a life jacket and whistle Never ever leave your boat. Practice getting back in before you go out If you can’t get back in kick back in to shore

[@whatif2336]

A shatter proof mirror is also a nice piece of safety equipment 👍🏼

[@pinkprimrose5339]

Very helpful information, thank you for the whistle advice & the shatterproof mirror.

[@AndrewUnruh]

Didn't think about the whistle. Thanks! I kayak on the Pacific and things can go badly out there fast.

[@Alexmcgruer3]

The lack of a life vest absolutely removed this from any safety or instruction value for our organization.

[@bpxl53yewz29]

@@pinkprimrose5339 What is the mirror for?

[@HugDeeznueces]

This should be practiced yearly by every kayak owner.

[@Saltstrong]

I agree... all kayak anglers should know exactly how to get back in if flipped in deep water so that there's no panic if it ever does happen.

[@dwaynebarill3898]

Rob Fern I

[@martinfretwell]

Clark Kent every hour you should fall out and practice

[@dangerousdylan6262]

No way we to cool for school yo son

[@frankblangeard8865]

Would be a good idea to have a paddle leash. At 2:37 you say to put the paddle somewhere where you know that it is safe and then you let it float in the water. In a real life situation with wind and waves that paddle would be long gone as soon as you turned your back.

[@TheOceanviolet]

You're right! Never let go of paddle or have it attached to boat. Also should always demonstrate wearing pfd because getting back in a boat with a pfd is more challenging than without and this should be demonstrated. I find this to be a dangerous video just based on those 2 things. There's other issues too...

[@adventureswithbear]

True. And something else nit mentioned is with where he places that paddle helps to stabilize the kayak. So it doesn't roll while you're trying to get in

[@Primalxbeast]

My kayak has a couple of eyelets along the side and I just pulled velcro straps through them so that I can use the straps to hold my paddle along the length of the kayak. Quite useful if you have to haul your kayak over obstacles like downed trees.

[@TrappedinSLC]

@@Primalxbeast If you’re trying to get in then having the paddle at right angles with the blade flat on the water like he had it actually helps keep the kayak from flipping when you’re pulling on it to get up, as the paddle acts like an outrigger and resists the tipping. So you’d make it harder on yourself if you just lash the paddle parallel to the kayak.

[@Primalxbeast]

@@TrappedinSLC I've never had a problem getting in my kayak before. Maybe it's because it's a large kayak, but I'm puzzled about people having a problem getting back in.

[@thegatekeeper715]

Having the paddle acting as an outrigger with the flat side of the paddle blade on the top of the water also helps with stability in getting back into the Kayak. Thanks for the info and demonstration.

[@WojciechP915]

Step one: Acquire upper body strength.

[@mikethepaddler8537]

It genuinely requires very little upper body strength to do this. It's all about using your buoyancy. That said, in cold water it gets harder quick.

[@rustinstardust2094]

@@mikethepaddler8537 No. As someone without a lot of upper body strength who has had multiple kayaking lessons with instructors guiding my every step for a self-rescue, I can attest that without healthy upper body strength the above video would not have been possible.

[@awhalestale623]

@Bill T 😀😂🤣

[@awhalestale623]

@pproust Yeah, I thought the idea of using the cooler seemed useful. 😁 @4:38

[@homefront3162]

LMAO!!!!! hahahahahaha

[@dori4908]

My daughter and are going kayaking for the first time this weekend. This was very helpful. Thankyou!!

[@nathanroberts5854]

I flipped my kayak recently, I own a vibe seaghost 130 which is significantly larger than your kayak. The weather conditions were also not as ideal, it was very windy and cold. I lost alot of my fishing gear, but thanks to having on my PFD, I was able to save about half of it. This is helpful, but I feel you should stress more on wearing a PFD. In the state of PA, it's the law to wear a PFD until the end of April and then you must have a PFD on your vessel at all times through out the summer months when it's not recommended to wear one. But I was able to flip my kayak back over and get back on with out much issue, but I also had to chase my kayak down due to it getting blown away by the wind and saving what gear I was able to, it was a complete mess.

[@lauriemontour7888]

Agree. A PFD should be ingrained. I don't care if I'm kayaking 15 feet from shore. Every kayak death I read about on the coasts of BC, especially with experts, was NO lifejacket! Or going out in stormy waters!

[@JerryLester]

Really fine demo. Coincidentally, I just flipped my Hobie Revo, yesterday. I was able to roll it back onto its bottom before it took on too much water, but it took on a lot before I collected myself and rolled it back over. It would have sunk had I not rolled it back. As it was, it got too much water in it to make a stable platform to board. I happened to have an Igloo flip top cooler like you demonstrated, but it never occurred to me to try to use it to re-board. Of course, the kayak was too flooded for that, anyway. Fortunately, some guys came by to assist in a large motor boat and I boarded it and they towed my kayak to the ramp. Ruined my 2 Veho Muvi video cameras and lost 3 nice Lews outfits overboard. Also, lost 5 boxes of baits. Fortunately, I was wearing my PFD, but hanging onto the side of the kayak just made my legs float up under the kayak. I wouldn't have been able to get stretched out to launch myself up onto the kayak even if it was sea worthy? I confess: I'll soon be 80, so lack your agility and stamina. Jerry

[@Saltstrong]

Sorry to hear about the flip. Yes, it can be very difficult to keep calm after an un-planned flip. Glad to hear that you were able to roll it back over and keep yourself visible enough to get help. And very smart to have your PFD on at the start of your trip because it literally can save lives... lures and gear can be replaced, so protecting yourself always comes first.

[@kayaknana1006]

We're new to kayaking and are practicing self-rescue. It sure would be nice if there were more videos for us "old folks" for re-entry. The more tired you get after a few attempts, the harder it is. Anyway, we practice and are able to get into the kayak/canoe hybrid but are still having trouble with the SOT. Every time we try the hip swing, we tip the kayak back over. We're totally trying the cooler tip on Saturday. It might give us the little bit of extra leverage we need. FYI to Salt Strong - it's easier to get on without the pfd (because you have more chest clearance) so perhaps practice with and without for safety. Thanks for the video.

[@MrSahansdal]

@@kayaknana1006 I'm keeping mine clipped from now on! Sometimes unclip if hot. Just having it may not help if it floats away. Taking too many risks ...

[@rxonmymind8362]

Nice video. When going on hikes or in water have a .99 cent whistle. That will certainly alert people to the sound and it’ll save your lungs from yelling. Buy a whistle folks put it on your wrist or vest it might save your life.

[@PeaceJourney...]

Thanks so much, I have a kayak I use in the rivers of Texas, and just this year got the itch to take it out in the Gulf. There's alot of difference between the rivers and the oceans.

[@PeaceJourney...]

@@happydogg312 thank you, I am very interested in kayaking the great lakes. There are class 3 rapids in several places in Texas, we enjoy the little waterfalls also.

[@PeaceJourney...]

@@happydogg312 that sounds like heaven. Thank you for letting me share that great experience with you. And thank you for sharing your time to let me know the hazards,as I will surely be doing that some day. I single pilot also, I have an old school XXL kayak, because I have dogs and cats that like to ride sometimes. Smooth sailing!

[@frankobryant]

your video saved my life today.....Great instructional video......glad i watched it earlier this year...My wife thanks you!!! I thank you

[@Saltstrong]

Wow! I'm glad to see that this video helped you get out of a dangerous position. Great job in doing research ahead of time so that you were ready in a worst-case scenario occured. Be sure to share your story with others because you never know when it could save a life. Fish On!

[@frankobryant]

i did i belong to several kayak fishing groups! thanks again ....

[@Curve-fu5vs]

Watched this video months ago. And today it saved my life and my kayak. Thank you.

[@6yjjk]

Got dumped out of my kayak a couple of seasons back. It was an inflatable, it sprang a leak, and eventually it became unstable and dumped me in the drink. What surprised me about it was how suddenly I found myself underwater, how damned cold it was (it was summer, but it was Finland) and how the first thing I did was panic and start thrashing about trying to clamber back on board. I had to consciously tell myself to stop that nonsense, stop moving, and think it through. The panic when you end up in the water by surprise is real, even if you've practised it. I could have burned all my energy in useless flailing about. It was a sobering lesson. In that case I was close enough to shore and the boat useless enough that it made more sense to climb half-way onto it and kick for shore. Not sure how much longer I could've thrashed about and still had the strength to do even that, let alone get back in. Hope this helps someone.

[@6yjjk]

@@orlandopockets6372 Indeed. Didn't mention in the original post, but I was. Still went under for a moment, and that shock is enough to trigger that panic reflex. It's a great big bulky orange thing. I hate it because it makes paddling really awkward, and in summer it's hot, but I always wear it. Looking to replace it with a gas one but not sure whether to go with automatic or manual. Instinct says automatic, especially since I kayak on flat water and never get the jacket wet unless I've fallen in.

[@BearCee75]

Question did you have a life vest on? I cant swim and I am buying a kayak. Obviously using my life jacket (testing it out in a pool prior to me going)

[@6yjjk]

@@BearCee75 I did, but it didn't stop me going underwater initially. Good luck and happy kayaking!

[@05dal]

Learning this means I wouldn't have to cry for Sarah. Great demo!

[@BlackshacksBushcraft]

All good advice and basically the same for most kayaks. As the owner of 4 different kayaks though, I find it does differ a little from one kayak to another. Also, gut size makes a difference. I'm finding it a lot more difficult now that I'm carrying some extra weight around my middle. 😃

[@jacobluman6462]

Thank you brother. Bought my first kayak today. Answered all my questions. This video gave me material to teach my children. God bless!

[@jasonc3522]

Make a designated training exercise day to learn the tipping point of your kayak and to get good at re-entry. If you plan on fishing from your yak you will want to have some lanyards for your non floating gear, I use the carabineers sold as keychains and 550 cord.

[@laurenj9078]

Max after he had his existential crisis and Sarah wouldn’t help him

[@Diedela]

Why go through all this effort when you can just "Sarah help meeeehhh"

[@fullthrottle2008]

Sarah is no help, she just laughs at your misfortune 😂

[@bcatypical]

LOL!!

[@mjp96]

Well.....what if your solo ?

[@corirotellini3606]

I just went kayaking for the first time and I used this technique and I got back in. You are a life saver.

[@joyfulj1663]

Omg did it capsize?

[@allanhughes7859]

NOW THAT WAS GOOD 100% GOOD THAT WILL SAVES LIVES SO WELL DONE YOUNG FELLA THAT WAS GOOD !!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks so much for making time to post the nice comment Allan!

[@rickorourke4464]

What if the cooler is full of ice and beer??

[@michaeldavis1659]

Drink the beer before it gets warm...

[@timothydluhos1151]

I watched this Thursday night and went fishing the next day. I tried to stand up in my Kayak and since I have zero balance, fell right in. The cooler method worked out great!

[@emiwashere_art9993]

*SaaAaRaaAahA~* 😭

[@bobsmoot2392]

You may have saved lives today, Luke. Great job!

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for watching!

[@hennesseyinmycup5960]

"OH SARAHA HELP ME "

[@timyon9464]

Great Video. If you have a pool or a buddy with a pool, practice kayak reentry a few times before taking it to the lake or river. Sit-inside kayaks are much trickier to get back in. In those scenarios, get a bilge pump. Having fallen out a few times, I just upright the boat, pump out enough water to make it buoyant and hand paddle to shore like I'm riding a surf board. (maybe a cheat, but it works for me). If you're in current, stay away from fallen trees at the water's edge. They can have hidden branches below the waterline that can tip your kayak or trap you if you're already in the water. Always wear a pfd. My pfd has a storm whistle tethered to it with enough slack to reach my mouth easily. Rent or demo the boat before you buy it. Some outfitters will credit you the rental fee toward the purchase of the boat. That way you can see what type works for you. My sea kayaks are 21" wide and not very stable. As a beginner, you'll want something in the 24" - 30" wide (beam) range with hard chines for extra stability. Going out in winter? wear a wetsuit. In a lot of chop or surf? focus your attention on a fixed object or shoreline to help keep your balance! Also, keeping a paddle in the water, even at slow speeds can help keep your stability. Just watch K-1 trials or races sometime, they always have a paddle in the water.

[@JBoney-bi8lh]

Unfortunately Max had a kayak that sat deep, not a sit on top which would be harder since he couldnt get the water out of the kayak lmao.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

Yeah, a sit in kayak that floods and sinks would have been the real worst case-

[@bodyofhope]

Good on you defending our boy Max. Ps, Sara is the worst.

[@carolinemanuel5996]

That's why you should get sit ins that have bulkheads! And also a bilge pump lol.

[@harisingh6230]

Beautifully done!!! I am 63" 125 lbs and fell over once in my Pelican catch 100. Luckily I had a life jacket & a boat was close by to assist. Getting into a wide kayak is much harder I would imagine. Outstanding info in this video Luke.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to post the nice comment Hari!

[@tmichael720]

When I first read this, and also read it again three more times, each time I thought you were saying you were 6'3" 125 lbs. Fourth time was a charm :)

[@paulbear1]

Good advice! It’s always been a concern of mine, especially for the kids out on the lake. A life jacket is a must and trying to put it on after you capsize is very difficult. While you’re struggling, your paddle can quickly float away. No room for that cooler in that kayak so that would not be an option.

[@salami99]

Some people float the cooler with them, it's like it's own boat just tie it to the kayak

[@victorhood3453]

I am partly disabled and was thinking about getting a kayak. One on worries was getting back in in case of a tip over . I am 100% convinced with the cooler I could get back in .And because of those segment I have finalized my decision get the kayak! 😊. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart sir ! Thank you !

[@desertrat1357]

Make sure it's not a sit in kayak, as getting in is harder this the boat shown here.

[@asmc4494]

Always use a paddle leash to limit the worry of your paddle floating away from the kayak.

[@bluenotgreen63]

Nice info. great demonstration without talking about what you had for lunch or introducing your dog spot etc. right to the point. Thanks.

[@nomaderic]

A small trick I use is tie a little small piece of rope on each side so when it flips I can grab the rope and flip it back over. It makes it 100 times easier. The very first time I flipped on the river my kayak was loaded down with gear and with the current and weight i couldn't flip it back over, the rope helps tremendously

[@GreatJim54]

Hmmm...I’m thinking paracord.

[@nomaderic]

@@GreatJim54 yea thats what I use now.

[@jessiec1194]

@@happydogg312 I have an anchor trolly and bungees but I’d be afraid of ripping all of them through the hull. Mine is almost a boat as a fishing kayak so we keep a light bow line and at least one side line attached to the handles at all times.

[@noreenalbright2245]

He is so calm. Remain calm is the main thing. I loved the cooler tip!!!! You are such a calm person, most people who flip are uncoordinated and panic. lol

[@mcjoedobird]

I like to wrap my life preserver around the end of the paddle and use the paddle to help push back up on the kayak. This method works really well with a canoe as well.

[@kimduncan24]

So glad I saw this. I kayak all year long in Barnegate Bay NJ and everyone asks me what I would do if I flipped. I never have so I haven’t been that concerned. This video definitely taught me a lot. The cooler thing gave me an idea. I don’t carry a cooler when the temps are in the 30s but I always have a boat bumper on the kayak (mostly because I find them all over the bay marsh.) I’m going to tie a fairly tight rope from end to end on a bumper for my foot to fit through so I can use it like the cooler to boost me up if I go over. Thanks so much for the video. May I never need the info 🙏🏼👍🏼😁.

[@stephenr3010]

Better yet, carry a paddle float (or just a strap around the boat bumper) to attach to your paddle in the event you capsize. You'll get much better leverage/ stability from an independent flotation point (further away than your foot) when trying to re-enter the cockpit. Probably a good idea to have a lifejacket and a paddle leash too.

[@newtrack0]

Can u do this video again after wearing a PFD, plus ideally 100lbs of additional weight :-). I tried to this with my Sit-on-top today and the PFD came in the way and the kayak overturned every time I nearly made it. Then, I used a rescue strap (just a strap with closed loop) and getting in was a breeze.

[@NobodyOwesYouAnythin]

This is really good for those who use Sit-a-top yaks. If you happen to be in a Sit-In yak, you can use a Dry Bag other one end of the paddle and the other end tucked up under the handle on the far side of the yak and use the supported paddle handle as a way to lift yourself out of the water, center your body over the yak and re-enter. I’ve got a sit-in and was Waked by a boat doing probably 20-30 knots. The wave flipped me upside down and the training I received in the Navy kicked in. Don’t panic. All items in the yak were hooked to my yak with a lanyard, including my dry bags. I used the dry bag/paddle method and I was back in my yak in under 30 seconds and didn’t lose a thing. I used my empty coffee cup to bail out some water first, but my cup is pretty big. The boat that wakes me was caught up to by the Sheriff’s dept boat that saw me waked. I gave them the thumbs up, since I worked with them and they forced them to tie up at the dock and I lost sight of them as I went back fishing. It can happen in a heartbeat. Go through different scenarios in your head and ask yourself the What If questions and take measures to not only safe your own life, but maybe even save your hard earned gear as well.

[@jaredmills3816]

do yall have a video of re-enter with a sit in kayak?

[@brenndanhennigar9929]

Jared Mills you can do the same thing it just is a little bit harder because there is less space

[@Dremin2009]

@fukthegoog if you buy a proper sea kayak you can fill all the compartments with water and sit on top of it and it still won't sink. If you buy a wal mart one you get what you pay for.

[@scoberg]

But a sit-in kayak is very unstable when it’s full of water. People who use them should carry a pump, so they can pump the water out.

[@JohnWheeler81]

It’s totally different getting back into your kayak with your PFD on which you should have anyway. For me it’s super easy without a PFD for practice but definitely much harder with a PFD on

[@gmswoop6522]

Just take it off to get back in if anything

[@labraiders]

Just happened to me yesterday, however conditions were not ideal i could not flip the sucker over, since it was real windy and i was getting hit by the wakes of other boaters, i was resigned to just hanging on to it til help came, luckily 3 paddle boarders who saw me flip actually came over and helped me get back on.

[@ST-iv9dv]

labraiders shame on those boaters for waking you out. The boaters in my city are really conscientious and always slow their speed when going past me so I can live my life wake free

[@prairieharmony3185]

I watched this earlier this week and came back to share the video with my dear friend, and thank you for taking the time to make this video and share this valuable information with others! It is wonderful to have this information just in case… thank you!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing!

[@bbrewer3127]

Sorry, this is long, but I have to add my thoughts, maybe help save a life some day. Here are 2 other ideas that make it much easier to reenter your kayak. One is to carry a paddle float and learn how to use it. I did this when ocean kayaking. Also, it's very important not to lose your paddle (or boat)! This guy was in still water, but if he was on a river or in the ocean, he could have lost his paddle if he had let go of it, even briefly. It's a good idea to carry a spare paddle, just in case. You can get one that breaks down into 2 pieces or is half size. The other technique that works really well is using a pair of swim flippers. You can easily keep them on your kayak by securing them under a shock cord (bungee) on the rear deck of your kayak. I discovered this by accident, because I had been snorkeling when I first tried it. I still had my flippers on when it was time to get back in my kayak. Instead of removing them first, I kept them on. I started by kicking my feet hard and remaining in a vertical, not horizontal position. This gave me some extra height and I was able to launch myself up and across the kayak. I would suggest you first practice putting on your flippers with one hand first. Actually, it's a very good idea to practice with any technique in a pool or flat water first. Everything is harder if you have waves or current to contend with. Also, cold water will sap your strength, so you want to back into your kayak quickly. The wearing of flippers works so well, I can use this technique to re-enter my inflatable dingy. The sides of this boat are about a foot above the water and it would be impossible for me otherwise. By the way, I'm a very petite woman, not a lot of upper body strength and now am over 60. However, I started sea kayaking back in my 30's and have kayaked in Baja, Alaska, Belize, and Montana rivers. I've only flipped though, coming thru surf in San Diego. I must say, the cooler technique is one that's new to me. Most importantly, practice first with different techniques till you find what works best. And unless you're experienced, you probably shouldn't paddle alone.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave this very helpful comment!

[@ericfrancis7816]

Hey, Luke! I picked up an old Perception SOT kayak a few weeks ago and have gone out three or four times... and yesterday, I tumped for the first time. I had put a little cooler in my crate, and I used it to help get my whale-like bulk back into the kayak. Bonus: My crate came loose, but the cooler was strapped into it and kept it afloat, so I was able to salvage it. Thanks for the great tip!

[@Saltstrong]

So glad to see that this video helped you safely get back into your kayak. Be safe out there!

[@davidfidler4301]

Thanks for posting the video. I must point out that re-entry into a kayak or surfski is made far more difficult by the wearing of a PFD. It is important to practice remounts whilst wearing a PFD.

[@chrisuk1000]

Agreed, from open ocean experience.

[@rubywilcox7405]

Thank you for this. I am a beginning kayaker and was looking specifically for this advice. I may practice it on a hot day soon! I love the cooler suggestion, so smart!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guskayak5655]

Good advice with one suggestion. A paddle leash keeps the paddle connected to the kayak. In windy conditions a paddle without a leash can quickly drift away, leaving the paddler "up a creek without a paddle."

[@mattlindgren2886]

I see what you did there.

[@harmonymillett2970]

Can’t wait to try the cooler, left foot help tip! Thanx so much!

[@lsegall]

My husband and I took paddling lessons from a certified instructor. Rescue was one of the topics covered. Unfortunately, before we were to get to that lesson, during a paddling technique, I lost my center of gravity and toppled into the water. (The class had an accelerated rescue lesson!) I managed to right the kayak, but with my pfdf on (and probably because I don't have much upper-body strength), I was unable to get back into the kayak. To make matters worse, although the instructor and I thought the pfd life jacket was tight enough around my waist, it was not, and it kept floating higher on my body, making swimming to shore very tiring and extremely difficult. (I am a strong swimmer; I would have been better off in this case without the pfd). I like your suggestion of carrying a cooler. That probably would do the trick. Thanks for the video.

[@Saltstrong]

Glad to see that you enjoyed this kayak re-entering video. I'm by no means a certified kayak instructor, but I believe that it's always good to use any sort of floatation device that's on hand to assist in safely getting back up in the kayak because it's much more difficult to get back into the yak in deep water than it looks. Any floatation assistance can be a huge help if used properly/smartly.

[@harryjackson6998]

Salt Strong

[@blipperUT]

That's an important point about PFDs -- tightening and buckling the strap is important. I was practicing paddle float re-entry for the first time a couple of weeks ago and the task was made much harder by the PFD floating in front of my face while I was in the water.

[@mickstp]

I watched another video that suggested climbing on the rear of the kayak like a surf board, then scooting forward to the seat? It seemed like they were very connected to the kayak's balance.

[@techfour4921]

So much easier than going on from the side.

[@kylebailey7649]

One thing you can do is when you put your paddles in the bungee put it halfway that way it doesn't tip either way when entering. Don't panic number 1 you will wear yourself out. Our first rule is when you go on a boat wear your pfd or your not going

[@treydrier3169]

Good advice on the paddle.

[@scoberg]

Good advice on the PFD. I never get into my kayak unless I am wearing mine-fully fastened- no matter how shallow or calm the water. Anything can happen, even to the most experienced paddler.

[@whiskeybeardoutdoors6568]

Awesome how to video. I like when youtubers get straight to the point. Didn't talk about the color and packaging of the kayak and go on about where you bought the cooler for 20min. Thank you.

[@Catpuchinu]

going kayaking for the first time tomorrow so this was helpful. ill keep it in mind 💕 thank you🌊

[@harryjohnson3617]

Did you drown?😁

[@Catpuchinu]

Hambone from Hargroves Louisiana HAHAHAH hi im alive!! kayaking was so fun 🤍

[@harryjohnson3617]

@@Catpuchinu good! I just started too. Fishing out of it can be a lil aggrivating but fun nonetheless. Glad you enjoyed yourself. And really glad you didnt drown😂😂🤷‍♂️🥰

[@lauryrodriguez7229]

Although the current situation isn’t great, I’ve been using this time to do and try all those things I’ve wanted to before but didn’t have time. Order a kayak and can’t wait! This will be a very helpful video!!

[@WynneEden]

The cooler would be more safely used as a paddle float to keep you from rolling the boat again while you're getting back in. Or...you could use a paddle float (some states supposedly require them, though there's no enforcement of that that I've ever heard of).

[@quedecree]

Great idea with the cooler. It's not something I've ever carried, but I do carry a couple of dry bags with me - these could work well - if not for the foot, then maybe on the end of the paddle as a sort of outrigger/paddle float.

[@ohmygarrnis9060]

The day after I see Max for the first time- KZbin is scaring me

[@dougharper1492]

I flipped my kayak yesterday, used this method and got back easily. Thanks!!!

[@waffles2580]

If only max watched this before he went kayaking

[@changchung]

You make it look soo easy. Thanks for share. I think that the most important thing is no panic.

[@BenChung78]

flipped my sea kayak out on 4 foot swell...lost all my gear...couldn't manage to keep the yak stable in the waves....had to drag the yak back to shore with backstrokes in the water with one hand grasping the front of the yak....if it weren't for my pfd...I may have drowned. Thank goodness I prayed to GOD for help and managed to stay sane in the shock of that 8 feet+ wave which came out of nowhere and capsized me....I feel grateful to be alive today. If you ever kayak in the ocean...be ware of the swell forecast as rouge waves can appear out of nowhere and flip you over...not fun in the ocean.

[@stacey5974]

Thank you for the advice.

[@tdawg713]

It's really fortunate the Jesus was a fisherman and familiar with your watery predicament.

[@shainemoodley]

Hi. Why not use a lanyard on the paddle? One less thing to bother with whilst getting back on board.

[@jamestgresch9999]

The cooler technique works great with my Sea Eagle se370. After practising in my pool I tried using the inflatable seat instead of the cooler. It works great also. Thanks to Luke and Salt Strong

[@spurgeondailydevotional]

great idea, I just received my Sea Eagle and am about to try it out in the morning.

[@derekhammond8610]

I would like to know though: can you flip the kayak over just like you did here but with the ones that are wider? And I mean flip it as in back over from upside down.

[@texasbeast239]

It's a lot tougher when you're wearing your PFD. The vest catches on the side of the kayak as you're trying to lift yourself up over the side. And if you're wearing a skirt that just adds more cumbersome crap to get in the way. And wider, stabler kayaks make it even more difficult for you to reach all the way across to the other side of the kayak.

[@mzmudy]

Good video! Could you make one that covers a kayak that is not a sit on top? Like, one that actually fills up with water?

[@kendrinium9239]

I think max might have needed this video

[@hpeteacher9445]

Can you put the paddle through the bungie cord and the cooler? That would be like a catamaran and give you more stability to get back in without flipping?

[@cronkthecrunk]

You could probably use the paddle and the cooler as a stabilizer bar for the kayak to keep it from flipping when trying to mount or from over rotating... probably 🤷‍♂️

[@Saltstrong]

Good suggestion!

[@SoCalCreature]

Good idea to practice this stuff before you're in a pinch. My Perception Pescadore is pretty stable when I'm upright, but when I lean back in the seat that thing just wants to roll for some reason. I've accidently taken a dip about 3 times, but I practiced getting back in several times when I first got it so no big deal.

[@chaddyfynnperkins3774]

I've never seen this method before. I was always taught to get on from the back by trying to straddle the boat and then moving forwards into it

[@kencorsell8087]

Would it be helpful to keep say a 30” length of rope with a carabiner on one end and a loop or stirrup on the other attached to one of your side handles? It could be used to flip the kayak back over and upright and then again as a stirrup for your foot to assist getting back in the boat.

[@robertovasquez4187]

This happened to my in the inter coast. Fortunately I could touch the bottom but it was a struggle trying to get back on that thing. You make it look so easy. Will definitely try this if it happens next time.

[@Saltstrong]

Awesome!

[@AndyInVirginia]

Great tip on the cooler. Made me think about a "swim noodle" to do the same thing. Something you would easily strap to a kayak. Thanks for sharing.

[@scoberg]

OK technique for a sit-on-top. How about a sea kayak that is very unstable when filled with water. I'm talking about a paddle float to use the paddle as an outrigger when hoisting your body onto the kayak, sliding your legs into the cockpit, and a pump to empty the water out of the cockpit. All of which I learned in my first sea kayaking class. And, yes, we were in the ocean--behind a protective breakwater, but the Pacific Ocean is mighty cold in Northern California.

[@TheAlexloveforever]

I'm a new kayaker and I had been doing this safely thanks to people like you who share videos. Thanks you so much. I followed you and like you. By the way who is the singer at the end of your video?

[@DavidSilva-jd8yj]

I'm new to kayak I learned a lot from this video. I just want to say thankyou for this video.

[@michaelkane5337]

This helped me at three sisters springs near crystal river in Florida ! You can’t go on shore for habitat and safety and you can only kayak in. I never fell out but when I jumped out this was very helpful getting back In

[@maybe.yellow]

holy frick I thought I was the only one who immediately looked this up after seeing the max video... guess not

[@garygonyea3255]

Great idea, but what do you do with the stuff in the cooler, wouldn't you have to sacrifice it to use it as a kayak hoist?

[@lolabbk]

i got recommended this after watching max.... it came too late

[@fredvanname4934]

Would a 2 liter dry bag work as well as the cooler?

[@damzer8612]

1st rule: don't ask Sara!

[@xcxangel9948]

Sara will just laugh at you 😂

[@grandpa1687]

I liked the cooler "step up" idea. Brilliant!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment!

[@Thestudiedtheist]

I had a 17 foot long sea kayak that fits right up to my ribs. Legs were inside the boat. I practiced flipping, slipping out upside down and re-enter in deep water. It is scary to practice these things, especially upside down, slipping out. Hes right, dont panic, which is easier said than done

[@darcylemay5488]

This is great information...I am sure Max enjoyed

[@gracieb498]

I think Max came up on everybody’s Recommendations 😂 and now this

[@Philmunda139]

Good one. What is the name and model of the kayak ?