Re-Enter a sit on top

[rockhopper]

Here are some instructions on how to re-enter a sit on top.

http://www.oceankayak.com/images/basics/hdr_reentering.gif
There are a variety of ways to get back on a sit-on-top kayak. One process seems to be particularly easy for most people. It was developed by Mark Olson, a representative for Ocean Kayak and is called Bellybutton, Backside, Feet or BBF.

If the boat is upside down, it will need to be turned over. To do this, reach across the bottom of the boat and grab the scupper holes.
Bring your knees up and onto the bottom of the boat. Lean back and the boat will roll over.

Then, position yourself so your head is near the cockpit area of the boat and you are facing the boat. Let your feet float to the surface of the water by floating on your bellybutton.

Reach across the boat to the far edge and then swim up and onto the boat, so your bellybutton is across the centerline of the boat. (Your belly should be between the foot wells and the seat.)
Next, roll over onto your backside which should end up in the seat. Sit up, swing your feet into the foot wells and you're ready to go.
http://www.oceankayak.com/images/basics/photo_reenter_1.jpg
http://www.oceankayak.com/images/basics/photo_reenter_2.jpg
http://www.oceankayak.com/images/basics/photo_reenter_3.jpg



http://www.oceankayak.com/basics/reenter.html

[DarkSkies]

When you look at something like this, you realize how important it is to have everything leashed, or tied down, if it's something you value. ;) You don't need fancy leashes for all, but be sure you have some way of tying that stuff and securing it to the yak. That series of pics shows the re-entry in calm water. Think how different it will be if it isn't.

A few weeks ago I helped a guy who had a rough surf entry. I saw him get pounded with the waves before he could get into the surf zone. He really got bounced around out there. His smart move was that everything was leashed, or stored away in hatches before he made the re-entry. He looked kind of helpless against the waves, that's why I felt bad for him. But you could tell he had been through this before, and was prepared for the worst.

Everytime you go out, if you think about the worst that can happen to you, and plan for that, you'll be a lot better off in the long run. Happy yakking, guys!