How to Get In and Out of a Kayak the right way—learn step-by-step techniques for safely entering and exiting a kayak from shore, dock, or shallow water. Perfect for beginners looking to build confidence and avoid tipping.
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Getting in and out of a kayak properly is one of the most essential skills every paddler needs to master. While it might look straightforward when watching experienced kayakers, the reality is that improper entry and exit techniques are responsible for most beginner mishaps on the water. If you’re new to paddling, this skill forms part of the foundational knowledge covered in our comprehensive Kayaking for Beginners: Ultimate 2025 Guide to Epic Start.
Many new paddlers end up soaked before they even start paddling, which can be both embarrassing and dangerous depending on water temperature and conditions. The good news is that there are proven methods that work consistently, whether launching from a sandy beach, rocky shoreline, or floating dock.
Understanding these techniques isn’t just about staying dry – it’s about safety, confidence, and being able to enjoy your time on the water without constantly worrying about unstable entries and exits. The American Canoe Association emphasizes proper entry and exit techniques as fundamental safety skills that every paddler should master before venturing into more challenging waters.
Getting Into Your Kayak From Shore
The beach launch is the most common entry method and typically the easiest for beginners to master. Here’s the step-by-step process that works reliably:
Step 1: Position your kayak properly. Place the kayak perpendicular to the shoreline with approximately half the hull in the water. The bow should point toward deeper water, with just enough water under the stern to prevent dragging when weight is added to the seat.
Step 2: Straddle the cockpit. Stand with one foot on each side of the kayak, positioned right behind the seat. Weight distribution is crucial during this step – leaning too far to either side often results in an unplanned swim.
Step 3: Lower yourself down. Place both hands on either side of the cockpit rim for stability. Lower into the seat buttocks-first, keeping feet outside the kayak initially. This position provides maximum control during the entry process.
Step 4: Swing your legs in. Once seated, lift one leg at a time and slide them into the cockpit. Starting with the leg closest to shore typically feels more natural, then bringing in the offshore leg. The paddle should be within easy reach – laying it across the cockpit behind the seat works well.
Step 5: Push off. Use hands or paddle to push into deeper water. Sometimes a gentle rocking motion helps get the kayak moving, especially in very shallow areas where the hull might be slightly grounded.
Dock Entry Technique
Launching from a dock requires a different approach and generally demands more balance and coordination. The key challenge is controlling the kayak’s stability during weight transfer.
Position the kayak parallel to the dock, not perpendicular like shore launches. Sit on the dock edge next to the kayak seat, then lower one foot into the center of the cockpit. Most weight should remain on the dock during this initial step.
Place both hands on the dock for support and lower the other foot into the kayak. The critical moment comes when transferring weight from dock to kayak seat – this needs to happen in one controlled, smooth motion. Rushing this transition often leads to capsizing or falling.
Some docks are higher than others, making this technique more challenging. Lower docks (12 inches or less above water) are generally easier for beginners to manage.
Getting Out: The Safe Approach
Exiting a kayak safely requires reversing the entry method while accounting for fatigue and changing water conditions. The fundamental rule is ensuring stability before attempting to stand or step out.
For shore exits, paddle until the kayak gently touches bottom, then use the paddle to push as far up the beach as possible. Having more of the hull on dry land significantly increases stability during exit.
Place hands on either side of the cockpit and lift up slightly. Swing one leg out and plant the foot firmly on solid ground next to the kayak. Use that planted foot and hand placement to stabilize while bringing out the other leg.
The most common mistake during exits is attempting to step out while the kayak is still floating freely. This almost always results in getting wet and can be dangerous in rough conditions. Always ensure solid contact with the bottom or shore before starting the exit process.
Dock Exits
Exiting at a dock reverses the entry process but requires extra attention to the kayak’s position relative to the dock. Wind and current can push the kayak away from the dock during exit, creating a dangerous gap.
Keep one hand on the dock throughout the exit process to maintain the kayak’s position. Step onto the dock with the leg closest to the dock first, then use that planted leg for support while bringing up the other leg.
Practice Makes Perfect
Mastering these techniques requires practice in controlled conditions. Shallow, calm water provides the ideal environment for learning proper entry and exit methods without safety concerns if something goes wrong.
Different kayak designs affect these techniques too. Sit-on-top kayaks are generally more forgiving for beginners since there’s no cockpit to navigate, while touring kayaks with smaller cockpits demand more precise movements. Recreational kayaks typically fall somewhere in between.
Water temperature, weather conditions, and launch site characteristics all influence which techniques work best in specific situations. Taking time to assess conditions before entering or exiting helps ensure safety and success on every paddling trip.
