Tutorial: How to Self-Rescue in a Short Kayak

A video for beginners on how to self-rescue in a shorter boat using the heel-hook paddle float technique. Tutorial includes recommended emergency rescue gear and two re-entry techniques that don't always work in a short kayak. Works well in a Dagger Zydeco 9.0 and Perception Swifty 9.5. Thank you for watching!

[@mauriciohzamora4105]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@jesusguzman4723]

Interesting vid. Thanks for sharing this technique

[@2testtest2]

Very interesting to se how self rescue differs in a short kayak vs a normal sea kayak. Also very good clear instructions. A couple things I think you could improve is to be more careful with is to keep in contact with your kayak at all times. In case of wind and current, your body is going to follow the wind and your body is going to follow the water. It's surprising how little wind is required before you are unable to swim back to your boat. For this reason I'm always very conscientious to keep hold of my kayak, and any other gear that might float away, such as the padle. When I need both hands I usually put my heels inside the cockpit, and paddle in the armpit. That way I'm very stable and can use both hands. It also has the benefit of keeping cold feet out of freezing water. An other thing you might consider is to fix your padle to the boat using deck lines or straps. Your kayak does not seem to have appropriate attachment points for this, but those can be easily added. Having the paddle fixed makes the boat much more stable, and as long as you keep the weight slightly towards the paddle float, it is virtually impossible to flip other than in the surf. Keep it on til the boat is dry and your gear is stowed away. I've only capsized once with this method, and only because I was so eager to get into the boat that I forgot to lean on the float.

[@sentinal001]

I've done some paddling, but I'm not what you would call highly skilled. I've paddled through mangroves and around barrier islands. It's something I want to do more of. Maybe I'll take a kayaking course. Great video 😊

[@punkfish6510]

Awesome video, what kinda paddle holder you have on there. Thank you

[@PedalPlanet]

Brilliant explanation and demo ….super handy thanks so much - hope warmed up quick

[@cathyleigh1558]

Thank you! So well done- learned a lot, you are a great teacher!!

[@teamwiggleworm]

Thank you Alissa for the outstanding video. We have drop-stitch kayaks and self-rescue is tough for us (between the two of us, one has bad shoulders and the other a bum leg). Your video led to us creating a small self-rescue clip that let's us attach the paddle to clips for out foot braces-this takes the place of holding the paddle to the cockpit like you do (since we don't have cockpits) and keeps the paddle in place and stops the kayak from rolling. Unlike your kayak, and even sit-on-tops, ours don't allow for a sliding rear entry since they can't be pushed down into the water. Your self-rescue technique makes all the difference. Using your foot on the paddle is brilliant and gives us such a great, and workable, option to get back in. Thank you again for such a clever way to do this and for an outstanding presentation of how you do it. So very well done on many levels Alissa! Thank you. =)

[@judgemally5034]

Very informative video great for any new or seasoned yaker

[@angelad201]

Angela here! This is seriously excellent! You did a great job explaining and demonstrating this. Very well done and I hope I can find a pool to practice in next summer because this is very important. Thank you! 🙂

[@angelad201]

P.s. I’ll be sharing this to anyone I know that kayaks!

[@lawrencesmeen522]

Bravo ! Very well done !!

[@terimcgann2408]

Newbie here! Thanks for the fabulous demonstration and concise, clear instruction. I appreciate the product tips too! Any more accessories you may recommend would be greatly welcomed!!!

[@alissapendorf]

So glad it was helpful to you!

[@VTSifuSteve]

Just learning about this. Dang that looks like a lotta work. I'd be tempted to pack fins and a snorkel and just swim ashore! But seriously, thanks for the informative video!

[@jarroddraper5140]

Should practice this

[@larrybonds4879]

Great instruction and techniques loved how you explain how to get in and what to expect can you do a video on other gear you might bring example a whistle that is pea-less a mini dry bag or water proof case for wallet phone etc waterproof matches knife that attaches to life vest to cut free any ropes or snags in an emergency call it what’s in you bag

[@ktownc936]

Could you potentially lose the collapsible bucket and use the dry bag as your bailer🤔

[@radiantrosie]

I had the same thought. It already had some water to dump out of it, so it could just be placed at the feet, filled and dumped pretty quickly. It'd save on space and weight.

[@alissapendorf]

It could be, as long as you aren’t storing things in it that would impede its use!

[@thatangularguy957]

I have that same dry bag! Great durability for the price!

[@Baddad36]

Great video but... Why would you have your paddle float in your dry bag? Surely it would be better having it under the bungees on the front. And your bilge pump too. Your dry bag isn't dry anymore.

[@alissapendorf]

The chances of ever capsizing are low. I have too much paddling gear to store things under the bungees. It's readily accessible in the dry bag.The point is less that the bag stay dry, and more than it floats when needed, as I don't store any perishables in it. :)

[@Baddad36]

@@alissapendorf Thanks for your reply. Was just wondering. Hope it didn't come over as rude. Sorry if it did. So are sit ons more stable than sit ins or is it more complicated than that? Where I live there isn't a way of trying out several types. It's the internet or nothing!

[@alissapendorf]

@@Baddad36 Not at all! Some people love sit-ons and others love sit-ins. One is not more stable than the other, although sit-on-tops are easier to get back into if you capsize (which is unlikely but should always be prepared for). I would recommend joining a kayaking group on Facebook and asking for the pros and cons of both. :)

[@radiantrosie]

I don't like anything under my bungees. I don't trust that they will keep things secure. That being said, a well attached deck bag is a decent option if you don't have a hatch.

[@p3purr]

Thank you! Great video!

[@John_Haney_213]

Some great info 👍👍 thanks for sharing.

[@richardswinson4381]

Too long a process