Getting In and Out Of a Canoe

Last Update: March 12, 2009

Video By: Expert Village

Get ready for your first canoe or kayak trip! Getting in and out of a canoe. Our expert shows you the basics of canoeing and kayaking.

About this Author

Phil Meyer started his kayaking career in Colorado in the days when kayaks were made in the backyard out of fiberglass and river trips meant stopping in eddies to duct tape your kayak back together. He enjoys instructing kayaking and SWR almost as much as just playing on the rivers. While he was the manager for the Costa Rican Outward Bound School, he and friends captured several first descents. He was also featured in

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Video Transcript

I want to talk to you about getting in and out of a canoe. So here I have a double canoe, and typically, if I was paddling this by myself, I'd try to get into the middle on my knees and that way I'm in the center of the boat, it's easier to paddle. But just for you guys, let me show you how you get in and out, like we had two of us. So first thing you want to have your paddle where it's handy, but it's out of your way to get into the boat. And again, same as the kayak, you'll grab both sides of the boat with your hands, you put your balance on your hands, step one foot at a time into the boat, rest your butt on the seat, bring your other foot in, grab the paddle, and I'm ready to go. And again, I always, when I'm paddling, want to keep one hand on the paddle, on the "T" grip. Reason why is if I have somebody riding with me, this can do a lot of damage to somebody else's teeth, so if you keep your hand there, it's a lot safer. So, for getting out of the boat, same thing. I want to go ahead and put the paddle on the boat, that way it's out of my way, I know where it is. I want to place both hands on the sides of the boat, step one foot at a time, and go ahead and get out of the boat. See how easy that is?

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