Kayaking is an exciting, exhilarating sport that comes with some risks. While you're kayaking, at some point you will undoubtedly find yourself out of your boat and in the water. This guide will help you get back in your kayak using the bellybutton, backside, feet (BBF) technique.
- Flip your kayak if necessary. There is a strong likelihood that if you find yourself in the water, your kayak is probably upside down. You obviously need to flip the kayak to get in so reach across the kayak and grab the opposite side or scupper holes. Bring your knees up on the near side of the boat, lean your weight back and flip the kayak right side up.
- Grab the side of the kayak and let your feet float to the surface of the water. This is the bellybutton part of the technique. You need to float on your bellybutton with your head near the cockpit of the kayak.
- Pull yourself onto the kayak. While floating, reach across to the far side and kick your legs to swim into the kayak. You should be able to position yourself lying across your kayak with your bellybutton between the foot wells and the seat.
- Turn over in your kayak. Once you are lying across your kayak and have regained some sense of balance, roll over so that your backside falls into the seat. You can now sit up in your kayak with your feet in the water. Again, make sure you have your balance before moving on.
- Swing your feet into the kayak. You've done the bellybutton and the backside parts, so all that's left is the feet. Swing your legs and use the momentum to get your feet up in the foot wells. Just be careful not to swing too hard and tip yourself over again.
Remember:
- The best place to learn this technique is in a controlled situation, so try to practice in shallow, calm water. Get comfortable with the technique before you head out in unknown water.
- Always exercise the proper safety techniques before you go kayaking. Make sure you wear a life jacket and helmet. Be sure people know where you are and try always to have someone with you if possible.
