Kayaking is an ideal sport to do individually or with one partner, but kayaking on your own also means you need to learn how to get into your kayak smoothly, without topping it upside down. Because kayaks are typically smaller, they react more to a change in balance when you attempt to get in, making getting into your kayak more difficult than hopping into a larger boat. Take your time and be careful so you can get in a kayak efficiently and safely, and start paddling.
Step 1
Find a good spot for you to get in your kayak. The best places are rocky shores, sandy beaches or any other place where solid ground meets water. You can get into your kayak from a dock, but you're better off having a friend steadying the kayak for you, since it is much more difficult, says Sierra Trading Post.
Step 2
Push your kayak so it is roughly 3/4 of the way into the water, but still partially on land. Step in the water and place your paddle across the nose of the kayak, in front of the seat.
Step 3
Stand next to the kayak and step one foot into the kayak cockpit. Sit down on the back lip of the cockpit while still keeping one leg securely on the land. Slide the foot in the cockpit down so that it rests in side the cockpit.
Step 4
Use your paddle and place it on the shore for balance. Holding onto it for support, lift your other leg off of the short and place it in the cockpit. In one swift move, slide your leg all the way into the boat while sliding your bottom down into the cockpit.
Step 5
Lift your paddle and use it as leverage to push you off of the beach. Or, if you're kayaking near waves, wait for a wave to come and lift you off of the short, suggests kayaking website Paddling.net.
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