Being a more than 'mid-weight' lady, also being more than 50 years old, and having taken of kayaking just a year ago, I find that the following works for me when re-entering a kayak. FWIW, the first time or two was difficult, but that was more due to inexperience and nervousness than anything else. (I could just picture the sharks milling about under my feet). Assuming the paddle has the float attached, and is perpendicular to the kayak and firmly attached, I let my body float, bringing the feet to the surface. Then, hook one foot over the paddle shaft - before trying to pull onto the kayak. Then, using the foot on the paddle shaft to keep my body horizontal as possible, give a hefty (pun intended) pull, using the foot on the paddle to help push. At this point, I'm laying atop the kayak, just behind the seat. If needed, I can do another pull, or just move my free leg into the kayak, and then slide my other foot in, turn and drop into the seat. I've done this as practice many times, and find it works for me great. Have never used a stirrup and frankly think the secret is to keep the body up on the surface of the water. There far less weight to have to lift... you're basically sliding up onto the back of the kayak. S. Watters *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Jan 27 1999 - 09:07:43 PST
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