Sea Kayak Self Rescue Technique: Heel Hook Paddle Float | Free Virtual Training

Contrary to the the hype that manufacturers generate about kayak "stability", these small craft are relatively easy to capsize. That's especially true of narrow designs but is also the case with wide kayaks that are so stable you can stand up in them.

The reality of kayaking is that it's a water sport. For most paddlers, it's not a question of whether they'll ever capsize, it's a matter of when.

For many paddlers, that moment comes sooner rather than later - and it always comes as a big, unwelcome surprise. One second you're a kayaker, the next second, you're swimming. This is also the point at which most kayaking fatalities happen.

Being able to get back into your kayak after capsizing is an important skill, because if you can't, you only have two bad options: swimming for shore or waiting for someone to come and rescue you.

That's why being able to smoothly perform a tandem or self-rescue is so important. If you've practiced having a fellow kayaker assist you in the rescue (tandem), you can easily get it done. Solo is not nearly so easy, particularly if the water is rough.

Constantin has been an American Canoe Association Coastal Kayak Instructor and Trip Leader for many years and has decades of experience teaching kayaking and racing kayaks and canoes. An outdoor adventurer specialized in human-powered sports, Constantin has travel the world and has been a happy camper for 20+ years.

My advice to you is take a formal, in person, kayaking class with Constantin, to learn more, and to receive personalized feedback, even if you have been paddling for many years.

Expert advice cost less than the doctor bill... :)

Here's an excellent video by Jeremy Vore that covers the Sea Kayaking Heel Hook Paddle Float Self-Rescue.

This tutorial is a great contribution to paddle sports safety, and I particularly liked the many key points covered - a lot of which are omitted from the usual self-rescue videos. As this video notes, the rescue isn't complete until the cockpit is pumped out, the skirt attached, the float stowed, and the paddler is ready to go.

A common refrain in incidents where rescues failed is "every wave washed into the cockpit - pumping was useless". That's why you practice with the sprayskirt on - as demonstrated in the video.

Another thing I appreciated was the way in which the paddle was placed on the deck - loosely held by the deckline. Removing the paddle from behind you with one hand is a frequent cause of secondary capsizes. This method slips it out smoothly and quickly, and with deflation conducted with the float still attached, support is maintained during the final phase of the rescue.

Good points, well stated, and five stars, well-earned. Click this link below to see the video on YouTube.

Sea Kayaking Self-Rescue: Heel Hook Paddle Float

BTW - this isn't the only one method of self-rescue. A safety-conscious paddler will be familiar with several methods.

Again, give Constantin a call at 832-686-3231 to learn more about kayaking and to sign up for an in-person kayaking class, a guided tour at sea or inland along rivers and bayous, a 1-3-nights or up to 1-week long kayak-camping adventure, kayak service/repair, and more.

Thanks for watching and please let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Many thanks!

I look forward to paddling together soon! See you on the water!

Constantin
(Call/Text 832-686-3231)

www.oakgeosciences.com

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