NORTHSEAKAYAK - The Self Rescue Training Drill

Training is about the repetition of techniques and skills. Training should enable you to do things automatically, without thinking about it, without hesitations. We have the good habit in our team to do some of those so-called training drills every time we go out for a paddle. There’s absolutely no excuse for not doing it, it only costs you a few minutes at the beginning, at the end or somewhere in between your paddling session, your choice. This drill on the self-rescue is about gaining extra stability when you are on the back deck. It makes you aware of your sea kayaks behavior when you’re out of the cock-pit. It gives you the needed confidence should you capsize. Start with it on calm water and then build your way up so you can do this drill in the conditions you normally paddle in. We give you a few extra tips in the video. Enjoy your training! Paddle safe and take care of each other on the water!

[hectoralers]

Makes it look so easy! A kayak dancer!

[Fremulshmat]

This is a very useful video….I especially like the focus of making sure that you keep hold of your paddle at all times.

[burple]

I'm a novice paddler and want to learn to do self-rescue, so this was very helpful, particularly the beginning of the video where you suggest just getting comfortable being outside of the cockpit and moving around without tipping over. I will try that first in shallow water and work my way up to the rest of it.

[starkotic]

Aloha. Your series has opened up ocean kayaking for me in many ways. Next step is surfing larger waves. I am using a 15' kayak similar to what you use except it doesn't have a cockpit, just a seat in a depression on the deck. Great for warm water. .

[Anton]

One of the best video materials on this topic!

[bendenisereedy]

I almost always kayak alone on my Scottish loch so I should practice this. Very useful video thanks.

[Old-Blue]

I’m not a kayak expert or even own a kayak, but everything I’ve seen or read says to have a paddle lanyard attached so it doesn’t get away from you. I know this is a training video, but people really do pay attention to what you are doing. I’m really interested in learning how to kayak, thanks for doing this video.

[LookoutLance]

Thank you Dimitri for posting this fun exercise. Our group of 11 paddlers tried this at our monthly event today. We had varying success but most of all it was a lot of fun. Something I noticed was that kayaks with low flat rear decks are so much easier to self rescue and perform these sort of manouevres with. Unfortunately the local kayak makers down here in New Zealand haven't taken P&H's lead and continue to build high volume top decks. On a positive note however, there has been a good retail supplier importing P&H and other UK kayaks and people are catching on to the benefits. I just hope our innovative kayak builders here continue developing designs that make kayaking not only a fun pastime but a safer one too.

[Goose]

Hi Dimitri, Thanks for your help, I managed to do this today with my issues and it was a great help in boosting confidence and safety.

[gw]

i have just mentioned this to my fellow Kayakers so think we'll be trying this next time we get out, thanks for the idea and a great video

[stochasmvid]

Awesome, thank you! I like the balance practice! I'll be practicing these in my launch area to get them down.

[robcheerful]

Really enjoy your uploads. I am just a novice. I tried this expecting to capsize immediately, I was amazed how much the kayak let me get away with! Really helped with my confidence on the water so I decided to try edging and leaning and got a bit carried away... capsized several times.

[JeanLuc]

Always a lot of ideas to improve the skills of the kayaker, bravo

[tonytrevorrow]

Merry Christmas Dimitri & Sylvie, Excellent video, it is a timely reminder for me, (returning to Paddling after an enforced lay off), to take care of the basics(staying alive), How I wish I lived in Belgium, yours is a most professional /club/crew.This video is my Christmas Present to Me, May I wish you all at NorthSeaKayak, many leagues of Safe Paddling in 2018.

[rickdownunder]

Another fantastic video.Thanks Dimitri

[theboycalledleaf]

Amazing skill, strength and balance.
You've just managed to do a whole drill in the time it takes me to put a spray deck on and seal launch!
I'm starting out on my kayaking journey with my local Scout Troop providing lessons.
Your drill is a great way to build confidence. I like the idea of building up to rougher water and also the timing element. It'll definitely help me improve.
I'll check out some other videos on this channel.

[garyreynolds]

Another excellent video. Very inspiring!! More great footage by Sylvie.

[CaptTPT]

Great video. Very well done. Now as a general rule you should never, never, never be in the water in a boat harbor like that. There are always poorly maintained boats there and the potential exists for electrocution when a near by boat has current to ground shorting. People die every year swimming in harbors like that when they encounter the electrical current. Your suit will provide some protection but best to be away from the boats if you are going in the water.

[spijkerpoes]

Hats off indeed, i tried this and every thing that could snag did indeed snag. I can get myself in 'riding the tail end' but no way can i do it if there's any chop.. I'll try this side approach you show. Looks real easy hahaa! Great filming, keep going!

[joshuajones]

Wow...you made that look all too easy! I had to go back and watch again to check for cuts in the edit to see if you took a breather. I would have been gassed at 30 seconds. Guess it's time to practice. Really great ideas for practicing, thanks!