Re: [Paddlewise] Launch and exit from swim platform.

At 11:39 AM 3/17/2005 -0500, Michael Lampman wrote:
>I have been asked about entering and exiting a kayak from the swim 
>platform of a large yacht.  Frankly in many years of paddling, I have only 
>launched or landed from a dock or similar structure two or three 
>times.  On those occasions I crawled face down facing aft as if using the 
>paddle float rear deck re-entry approach.
>
>Are there other more effective techniques used for this?  How do they do 
>it on the small so-called "Mother ships"?  Are mechanical aids of any kind 
>used?
>
>I'd appreciate any enlightenment I can get.

A friend of mine that owns the local kayak rental shop launches all his 
customers from a dock.  A large percentage of his customers have never been 
in a kayak before.

He attached a large U bolt on the dock near the edge furthest from the 
water and then slides a 2x6 board (about 6' long) under the U bolt such 
that extends about 3' over the water perpendicular to the the dock.  The 
boat is placed parallel to the dock under the board with the board just 
behind the cockpit.  Facing the bow of the boat, you sit down on the board, 
then slide out over the boat.  Keep one hand on the boat and the other on 
the dock  and just slide forward into the cockpit.  Grab a paddle and push 
away and your off.  Getting out is just as easy.
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