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Kayak entry and exit.
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Author:  bobbyg [ Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:45 am ]
Post subject:  Kayak entry and exit.

Hi everyone;

Just got my Mirage Outback last week and love it. I have logged in about 14 hours trying to learn everything I can. The one problem I am having however is getting in and out of the kayak. I have bad knees and have a pretty limited range of motion. I do get in and out OK and have yet to tip it, but I guarantee it ain't pretty. Can anyone share there tips and tricks with me?
:roll:

Author:  ronbo613 [ Mon Jun 06, 2005 7:18 pm ]
Post subject: 

When I'm going out though the surf, I have to get in the kayak and start paddling pretty quickly. I'm no spring chicken either, this is what I do. Usually, I'm in waist deep water. Facing forward, I put my hands on the rails just a little in front of the seat. I jump up, turn my back to the boat and try to land my butt on the seat. In the same motion, I swing my legs over the side and into the boat.

Author:  kmay [ Tue Jun 07, 2005 11:59 am ]
Post subject:  roll in or out?

I too have a lot of trouble with my entry/exit technique. I have the added problem of foul smelling muck at some of the more remote launch points. I usually wade in mid way up my shin. I stand on one foot while cleaing (shaking) the other and orienting the boat. I place the now clean foot on the opposite side, balance with hands and plop into the boat leaving one foot in the water. This works most of the time except for the tremendous sideways movement of the boat.

If I don't flip, I simply shake off the muck from the other foot and get going. Exiting is the reverse, except that I tend to slid my feet out on one side as the boat tilts up, just as it shoots away from my backside, I stand. If it is not too slippery and if the boat goes where I want it, all is well.

Neither of these techniques have the look of a seasoned kayak veteran! And there are too many event failures to make this a recommended practice. I think I may try to use a paddle stabbed vertically on one side to help stabilize the boat and provide an assist in entry/exit. A small line attached fore and aft may also help pull the boat to the body while entering. For what it is worth, exiting onto a dock or sea wall is also difficult. Most everyone I have observed who has tried, succumbs to the roll in and roll out technique. Nothing Nautical about it.

Author:  ronbo613 [ Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:25 pm ]
Post subject: 

If you launch in calm water, try starting out with the stern of the boat on the shore. Climb in over the back of the boat to the seat and push off the shore with the paddle.
I'd do that just to avoid the muck you were talking about.

Author:  Scott [ Thu Jun 09, 2005 11:07 am ]
Post subject: 

Here is the best way I have found. Get into water just above the knees. face the shore with the side of the boat behind you touching your butt. Push the near side of the boat into the water with your hands and sit on the boat. Lean back (sideways seated position) and swing your legs and feet to the front of the boat. Done!

Author:  Rnykster [ Fri Jun 10, 2005 6:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kayak entry and exit.

bobbyg wrote:
I have bad knees and have a pretty limited range of motion. I do get in and out OK and have yet to tip it, but I guarantee it ain't pretty. Can anyone share there tips and tricks with me?
You bought a pedal boat and you have bad knees? I hope pedaling will strengthen your knees making them strong! The only tip I can give you is to pedal three or four times a week. With more experience, you'll be getting in and out of the kayak without any problems.

Author:  mmiller [ Sat Jun 11, 2005 10:07 am ]
Post subject:  Getting in?

Just like when you get in when the water is deep. Face the boat from the side. Position just aft of the pedals area. Lean forward, jump or dive across the boat so your upper body is clear across the boat and butt / hips are near centerline of the boat. Facing down... roll aft so butt is over seat area and sit up. Pivot / swing legs forward to your normal sitting position.

Author:  bobbyg [ Mon Jun 13, 2005 12:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Thanks everyone.

Just like getting on a bicycle the first couple of times, you're shaky and unsure of yourself. Then before long getting on is second nature. That is what happened for me. I just kept on practicing. As for the bad knee thing, any pedaling sport is great for them. It’s any heel impact activity that does the knees in.

Author:  Rnykster [ Mon Jun 13, 2005 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Fantastic!

Hi bobbyg - Glad to hear entry into the kayak is going smoothly. Keep us informed on how your knees are strengthing up. I'm a firm believer that the Outback is what America needs to fight obesity because you're right - running is hard on the joints. If I ran for 45 minutes today, I'd be limping tomorrow, but I can pedal around all day long and still feel great the next day. :D

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