Getting into the Kayak
For many novice kayakers, the first big challenge to starting the sport of whitewater kayak is simply getting into the boat! Boats are often built so that they are comfortable when you are in them but not so comfortable when you are getting into them. Before you even get in the water, you will want to find some nice soft sand to practice this technique on.
Begin by sitting on the rear deck of the kayak, with your feet resting on the seat below. Extend your legs into the kayak, and slowly slip and wiggle your weight into the boat until your whole lower body is in. You boat should be not so tight that this is an extremely hard thing to do, but not so loose that you slide in easily without your thighs or legs touching the boat.
Once you have got the hang for this, is off to the next step of practicing in the water. There are a lot of ways you can get into your kayak but I recommend one particularly way to get in for beginners. The way I recommend is to move your kayak parallel to the river bank and then put your paddle propped against the bank and your kayak as an outrigger. Lean on the paddle for support and then get into the boat like you practiced on land. The paddle should be propped on the rear deck of the boat and you should start sitting on it. Once you have gotten in through this method, attach your spray skirt, pull your paddle in front of you and away you go. As you get much more experienced at balancing in your boat and what not, it will come to you a lot easier to do this without a paddle or support whatsoever!
