HOW TO LAUNCH FROM 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 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.

1. Slip your feet into the cockpit, centering your weight over the kayak.

2. Turn your body so that it faces the supporting structure.

3. Lower yourself straight down into the cockpit. Depending on the length of your legs and the cockpit opening size, you may have to sit on the back deck temporarily before slipping inside the cockpit.

4. Slide down into the cockpit, maintaining your grip on the dock so you don’t float away leaving your paddle behind! At this point, you have to use both hands to get the sprayskirt on. But the dock is there for support if you need it.