Working with newer paddlers, wet exits are a big topic in many of my classes. Being tossed upside down, underwater, and 'locked' in to the cockpit can be a scary feeling. It gets worse in cold water!

The way I teach students to perform a controlled wet exit:

1) Let the kayak capsize completely
2) Hand to hip - this gives the brain a task, it helps orient you.
3) Trace the combing to locate the grab loop (or pull the skirt off at the hip)
4) Pull the grab loop forward to release
5) Hand back to hip and push the kayak off you like a pair of pants

Practicing this method will keep you calm and get you out of your kayak quickly and in a controlled manner.

For sea kayak instruction, sales, trips - https://rnissenbaum.com

Facebook:   / robertcnissenbaum  
Instagram:   / robert.nissenbaum  

#ShortBoatSkinnyPaddle