Self Rescue in a PA 12 (Annual Training)

Self Rescue in PA-12

After seeing many different rigs to assist you in Re-Entry into your PA12, I decided to see how hard it really was.

PREPERATION
I removed all my fishing equipment.
Put on a PFD.
Moved my Bow line to a side handle. (This will be used to flip my kayak back over)
Took my kayak into calm water.

I used the side handrails to force the kayak to roll over.

Righting my kayak:
1. swim to the side of the kayak with the righting line tied to the side handrail.
2. Throw the righting line over the kayaks hull.
3. Swim to the other side of kayak.
4. Use the righting line to pull yourself up onto the hull. (You don’t need to be on top)
5. Pull on the righting line to roll the kayak right side up. (This was much easier than I thought it would be)

Reentry:
I thought I would reenter just as I did with my Outback, but once in the water I realized how high the gunnels were. Most people recommend re-entry via the stern.

The first time I did it I simply pulled my self up to the area behind the seats.

The second time I moved the righting rope tying both ends to the rear handle. (Use a Bowline.

I used the loop to assist pushing myself (Foot hold) into the kayak.

Lessons Learned:
1. Rig your PA with a righting rope (about 6 feet long)
2. Tie a line onto your rear handle.
3. Practice self rescue annually

If this seems to hard I suggest going to the gym and getting into reasonable shape

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Fishing is not a matter of life or death... It's much more important than that!

I practiced reboarding my PA12 yesterday with good success. I first did it close to shore in 7' of water without my PFD and then did it with my bulky PFD on. It was pretty easy for me. I re-entered from the side. My port side is uncluttered (left handed) and the Vantage seat provided places to grab on. The water was calm. If I do go out in choppy water I carry a paddle float, from NRS, that I'll use if necessary. I keep the paddle float secured to my rear carrying handle. I didn't turtle but I expect that the Vantage seat will provide adequate leverage to flip it back up. I'll try it another day.