I have keyhole cockpits in my boats, and I use the layback technique Jed described, though I don't always put my legs on each side of the boat. Once my legs are out of the cockpit I'll either put my weight on the landward leg, or pivot so that I'm sideways on the rear deck with my weight centered, or whatever seems to suit the conditions of sea and shore at that moment. With this "layback" technique I haven't found it necessary to run the bow of my boat up onto land before getting out. That really helps if the "beach" is steep, rocky, or full of barnacles etc. If the water's reasonably calm it's not necessary to put the paddle out to the side either. Bill Hansen Ithaca NY *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Bill Hansen" > I have keyhole cockpits in my boats, and I use the layback technique Jed > described, though I don't always put my legs on each side of the boat. Once > my legs are out of the cockpit I'll either put my weight on the landward > leg, or pivot so that I'm sideways on the rear deck with my weight In my rec kayak, a Dagger Delta, I often get out by going forward. This is a wide, shallow draft boat with a 48 inch cockpit. I usually set my feet wide into the chines, lean forward and grab the front coaming then pull myself up. I tend not to use the rear paddle support method because this boat also has a seat with a very high (and comfortable!) back that is hard to slide oneself over even though it folds forward. It makes exit awkward -- entry not so bad.... If I do come out that way and pivot my feet to the side, it will be toward the deeper water. Doing so to shore can make the boat want to slide out from under you, and you're in the water anyway... Keeping your feet outside will help push the boat toward shore and help hold it there. Obviously I've had my share of ungraceful exits... It's also why I bought a pair of Chota Mukluks. Joe P. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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