Step by Step - Boarding a Kayak, and Staying Dry

One of the trickiest things related to kayaking, believe it or not, is getting into the kayak. When I first began kayaking this was one of the more annoying things that I was faced with at the beginning of each trip. Me or my kayak would end up being soggy before I even started down the river. So to help you out, here is a step-by-step process you can use to safely and dryly board your kayak. Step one: Place your kayak in ankle deep water. Step Two: Place your paddle perpendicularly across the back deck of the kayak with 3/4 of the paddle hanging off one side. Step Three: Grip the paddle with your thumb and hold on to the coaming on the back of the cockpit with one hand. Step Four: Using your paddle as a BALANCE, not a weight support, sit down on the back deck of the kayak behind the cockpit, keeping one foot in the water and the other in the cockpit. Step Five: After regaining your balance, place your other foot in the cockpit. Step Six: Slide down into the seat, and your on your way. Enjoy the ride!