Sprint Ranking Race

Let’s now assume that you and your kayak have got all the parts together as indicated above. So, next you need to know how to get in! It’s not difficult, if you follow this basic procedure but please don’t take short cuts. Probably most accidents occur at the stage of getting in/getting out when people get careless.

Stand at the side of your kayak (let’s assume the right side here, but it could be the left; just reverse everything). Place your paddle behind you and hold it with a wider than shoulder width apart grip with both hands. Bend your knees and place your left hand on the back of the coaming while still holding the paddle. Check that the paddle to your right is flat on the ground, with the curve upward. In this position, you have a triangle of support from the paddle blade on the ground/your right hand, the paddle shaft/coaming/left hand, and your feet.

You want to keep the three point support. While keeping your weight low, step into the kayak with your left foot, then your right foot, but keep your w eight over to the right side where there is the most support (the ground). Once both feet are in, you can scoot your legs all the way down inside the kayak and release the contact with the ground.