Parallel launching
1 2
from shore
BY GARY & JOANIE MCGUFFIN
This launch is useful in calm and or
protected waters. More than once we have
watched novice paddlers tip over before
they even get in the kayak. This can be a
good chuckle for all if the would-be paddler
is dressed for a swim, the water is warm and
3 4
no one gets hurt, but it is not the way most
kayakers want to start out. You will discover
that it is not the kayak that is tippy, just like
a bicycle isn’t tippy once you learn to ride it.
It takes technique to be in balance.
If you are next to shore and the water is
calm, the easiest approach is to swing the
boat parallel to shore. By using the paddle
as an outrigger, you can stabilize the kayak
and slip in quite easily. Place the paddle
5
across the back deck behind the cockpit the other, into the cockpit. Then slide down
so that it lies perpendicular to the kayak. into the seat. The key is to keep your weight
The blade acting as the outrigger needs to over the supported side of the kayak.
be lying with the power face upward. This 1. Place the paddle perpendicular to the
method works well when you do not have kayak and across the back deck behind
to step down. The paddle blade can rest on the cockpit. The supporting blade is
the bottom, on shore, or a low dock. (Keep lying with the power face up.
your weight over the supported side of the 2. Clamp the paddle shaft and coaming
kayak, getting in and out from this side together with one hand (left hand in this
only.) Hold the paddle shaft and the back photo).
of the cockpit rim together with one hand. 3. Depending on the size of your cockpit Avoid placing a lot of weight in the center
Place the other hand on the shaft close and the length of your legs, you can sit of the paddle shaft bridge. Slide into the
to the kayak. (A paddle shaft can break if on the back deck temporarily while you kayak until you are seated comfortably
there is a great deal of weight placed in the get your legs into the cockpit. all the while keeping pressure on the
middle of the bridge you have created with 4. Notice how your other hand (right supporting paddle.
the paddle.) You can now sit temporarily on hand in photo) is placed on the 5. Bring the paddle forward and attach
the back of the kayak. Slide one leg, then paddle shaft close to the cockpit. your sprayskirt. You are ready to go.
How to launch from
1 2
a dock
Getting in and out of your kayak from a
dock can be a bit more challenging, especially
if you have to step down a distance. The trick
is to keep your weight on the supporting
structure while at the same time keeping
your weight centered over the kayak so it
doesn’t go shooting out from underneath
3 4
you. At first, it is wise to get your sprayskirt
secure while you still have the dock close at
hand. Then pick your paddle up and you are
ready to go.
Slip your feet into the
cockpit, centering your
weight over the kayak.
Turn your body
so that it faces the Lower yourself straight down into the
Slide down into the cockpit, maintaining your
supporting structure. cockpit. Depending on the length of your legs
grip on the dock so you don’t float away leaving
paDDle yOur Own kayak
and the cockpit opening size, you may have
your paddle behind! At this point, you have to
These excerpts are from this wonderful book. to sit on the back deck temporarily before
use both hands to get the sprayskirt on. But the
Look for it at local book stores everywhere.
slipping inside the cockpit.
Distributed by Firefly books.
dock is there for support if you need it. «OO
8 OTTAWA >> SUMMER/FALL 2008 www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
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