Step by Step - Boarding a Kayak, and Staying Dry
Yes, boarding can be tricky at first. A kayak seems totally unstable when we first get into it, and our instincts tell us it's a bad idea. As the author says, board first in shallow water--no deeper than your knee. Also try to draw an imaginary line from bow to stern bisecting the boat. If you try to keep your weight right on this line, you increase your chances of staying balanced and dry.
One of the trickiest things related to kayaking, believe it or not, is getting into the kayak. When I first began kayaking this was one of the more annoying things that I was faced with at the beginning of each trip. Me or my kayak would end up being soggy before I even started down the river. So to help you out, here is a step-by-step process you can use to safely and dryly board your kayak.
Step one: Place your kayak in ankle deep water.
Step Two: Place your paddle perpendicularly across the back deck of the kayak with 3/4 of the paddle hanging off one side.
Step Three: Grip the paddle with your thumb and hold on to the coaming on the back of the cockpit with one hand.
Step Four: Using your paddle as a BALANCE, not a weight support, sit down on the back deck of the kayak behind the cockpit, keeping one foot in the water and the other in the cockpit.
Step Five: After regaining your balance, place your other foot in the cockpit.
Step Six: Slide down into the seat, and your on your way.
Enjoy the ride!
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