3 Kayak Rescues Every Paddler Should Know

Dan walks through three basic kayaking rescues.

0:00 Intro
0:45 T Rescue
3:53 Heel Hook Rescue
7:22 Paddle Float Self Rescue
13:02 Additional Notes
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[jillmarcheschi]

Thanks so much for this video. I'm a 5'1" low muscle mass 58 year old female and practiced this today on Lake Superior with 15" waves and wind on a cloudy day in order to see if i could do it in a unnerving situation all by myself. I figured if I could do it in Lake Superior I can do it in flat water cold lake. I struggled a bit and used a slightly different body lift because I'm so short and weak, but the paddle float outrigger totally worked. I did it twice in a row. I wouldn't kayak in those conditions but needed to do it in a unnerving environment so I don’t panic or give up during a real capsize. I do lots of sports solo in remote areas so I need to be able to take care of myself.

[jonothandoeser]

As soon as his Mom started talking I could tell that she knew exactly what she was doing! It didn't surprise me at all that she was an instructor!

[debmaclyman]

Thank you for the video it is very helpful. I am starting to kayak at 71 and it poses some challenges for an older body. Having said that...I believe you are never too old and it's never too late. Your videos help to build my confidence and make me excited about trying it.

[bigred]

I've been kayaking for the better part of 15 years, but I've learned a ton from you since discovering your channel two years ago. Thanks!

I agree with others who would like to see more rescue/safety videos with more basic recreational kayaks.

[Dakiraun]

Practicing rescues makes it a lot more automatic and a stress-free situation when the real thing happens. While I've practiced it dozens and dozens of times, I've only used a rescue a couple times so far. One was a vacationing family from Europe at a provincial park; they flipped their canoe, and that one ended up being really tricky because only one of them remotely understood English. The other was on a paddle with my father on Big Creek (Ontario, Canada). The creek has a pretty strong flow to it and when stopped for lunch, he leaned over too far to reach around for his cooler. Current pushed him up a bit against a tree root in a way he didn't expect and over he went. I just talked him through it while I held his boat and got him back on. Telling folks to paddle forward and sort of leap _over_ their deck while pulling the kayak under them is a HUGE thing to remember for anyone who's not tried it before.

[thistlecreek]

I just bought my first kayak after wanting one of years. The first thing my brother said to me was, "oh my God are you trying to drown? Don't kayaks roll and hold people under. 😂 No, it's not an alligator. And I'm going to be wearing a pfd in an open kayak. Now I'm researching getting back in my boat if I flip. I'm not the Lifeguard level swimmer I once was. But I'm confident I can take can still handle an emergency. Thank you for getting this information out there!

[patlelion]

Thanks from a Frenchman! I live in Scotland and I hope I will get Nessie to help me back to the boat otherwise self rescue will have to be my second choice

[timothywiener]

Good video, Thank you! I am a member of Team River Runner that provides kayaking opportunities for wounded/disabled veterans and their families. My particular chapter primarily does flatwater paddling using Dagger Zydeco recreational kayaks, no bulkheads. We have found that using techniques developed for skin-on-frame kayaks, which also don't have bulkheads, work well for rec kayaks too. An X-rescue can be done with significant assistance from the swimmer to get the flooded kayak on top of the bow of the assisting kayak, or the H-rescue gets the flooded kayak drained very quickly if there are 2 rescuers available. After that the swimmer uses the heel hook method or the cowboy scramble to get back in the kayak. If you are able to fit these into your next rescue video, that would be a great service to the multitude of recreational kayakers.

[jporter]

I remember the first time I flipped my Moken 10. All I could think of was the huge alligator warning sign at the boat launch. Gators are generally non aggregative but when you are floating in water over your head you wonder about that. I had to use my Coleman cooler with my foot to boost me over the edge onto the kayak. I determined later while practicing that it is easier to crawl on to the bow from directly in front of the kayak as the bow will partially submerge as you move on to it.

[PROCESSINGSTANDARDS]

Wow you’re mom looks amazing!! Looks same age ❤❤

[VirginiaAlexander-tjez]

I am thinking of getting a canoe or a couple inexpensive kayaks so my son can take my daughters out on the water. Your vids have been tremendous in giving me direction as well as safety info to teach them while we wait for summer. Thanks!

[sandrapisarski]

I love all your videos. I used to canoe when I was young and finally bought a kayak (I LOVE THE KAYAK) when I turned 61! my friends and I all bought Pelicans sit inside and sit on top recreational kayaks and want to know how to be safer on the water. I have been sharing your videos with my friends. I had canoe class in college and loved every minute of canoeing in my Blue Hole river canoe.

[ramiroguerrero]

Hi, I'm not a kayaker yet, I'm beginning my education to know what I'm getting into, I have started to follow you cause I understand your instructions, your mom was excellent🌹planning to get my equipment later this year, you and your mom have convinced me to join the kayak world, I'm going to enjoy it, thanks 🍻

[kathleenmcguinness]

My guy and I (in our 60's) just bought 2 Tucktec kayaks to carry in our RV. I know they aren't as sturdy as a regular kayak but it's nice to know basic rescue.

[twonc]

Awesome video and very important info. Your mom rocks and looks way to young to be your mom. Thanks so much.

[skisunvalley]

Hi! I recently took a kayaking course and wanted to review rescues. You demonstrated precisely what I learned during our open water sessions. Thank you! I’ve looked at a lot of vids and this is the best one, by far. 😊

[ksmith]

Nice!! Men may win in upper body strength but we are super flexible!! Never see that type of rescue before..heel hook..interesting!

[jlafayet]

Tailor-made for my Delta 14. Thanks for the great video!

[donnaf]

thank you and your mom taking the time to educate people like me. So appreciate it.

[MurphMJ]

Awesome demonstration. Extremely helpful.