Paddlers always find the right craft within their comfort zone. Although the experts can handle most models, beginners prefer stable ones. They often worry about capsizing that may cause life-threatening situations or item loss. Today, we are going to share some techniques related to kayak and canoe recovery. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Boat Capsizing Prevention and Recovery
Kayak or canoe
So, which is easier to flip canoe or kayak? Kayaks tend to flip more than canoes, regardless of their type. Even a stable fishing kayak is more likely to turn over. It is not surprising at all because both serve different purposes.
Canoe designers mainly focus on stability. They target the hull that plays an important role in determining a craft’s performance. In general, the hulls stay below the waterline. Such a construction prevents the hull from coming out of the water easily. As a result, canoes are slow and difficult to move but stable enough to give us a safer ride.
On the other hand, kayaks are for fast speed, effortless maneuverability, and so on. They usually have a narrow structure, curved bow, and stern. The haul barely touches the waterline. All of these features make turning easy and achieve fast speed. As the kayaker progresses, he feels more comfortable and less resistant while paddling. He can lead the crafts in a straight line conveniently. And the downside is flipping over.
Related: What Should You Do When Approaching a Low-Head Dam in a Canoe or Kayak?
Safer kayak choices
There are many reliable recreational kayak units. Unlike the regular kayaks, they have a wide shape. It decreases the chance of flipping but still more risky than a conventional canoe. However, a few speedy canoes have less surface touching the water. They can be as narrow as the fastest kayak. As you can assume, it boosts speed but compromises stability. If new paddlers have to choose between fast canoes and recreational kayaks, they should go for the kayaks.
Another option is tandem kayaks. They are slow transportation for two persons of the same or different skill level. Apart from having spacious compartments, they provide excellent maneuvering and fewer tipping issues.
Trick to choose the ideal boat
We can divide all kayaks and canoes into four categories based on the hull shape- flat, v-shaped, round, and multi-hull.
- Flat: A flat surface is a key requirement to be a secured watercraft. As a large part gets in the touch of water, it resists side to side activities. Thus, you will hardly fall into the water. The problems arrive while moving past fast-flowing water as well as several rapids. These boats can flip within a blink of your eyes. Hence, never use them around the points of no return. Bring them for fishing in a small water body instead.
- Round: You will get the exact opposite experience from the round versions. Their circular surface is everything we need to go through the water smoothly; we just have to paddle with a little effort. It is also responsible for being less stable. Your boat may flip frequently. The flipping possibility will not increase during paddling through rapids. Be careful to use and load them, even in calm water.
- V-shape: Now, come to the v-shape units. Most of them include a powerful engine. They maintain a perfect balance between the previous selections. In short, they are neither as safe as the flat surface nor as dangerous as the rounds. Intermediate users typically prioritize these models for superior tracking service, high speed, and smooth ride.
- Multi-hull: Lastly, we have the multi-hull design. As the name suggests, it includes two or hulls depending on the goal and motor’s size. When it comes to stability, it is literally unbeatable. Its steering and turning operations may hamper without enough space. So, it is not easy to guide at all, especially in a small water channel. Catamarans and pontoons are two examples of multi-hull boats.
Best beginner-friendly rescue method
No matter what you choose, it can turn over in unfavorable moments. Never start your first water journey without practicing the rescue strategies. Follow this step-by-step guide:
1. Secure your items: Sometimes, the passenger can predict the flipping tendency, and sometimes they don’t. One most common thing is losing valuable items after the kayak or canoe turns over. Make sure to tie everything down to avoid such events. You can lock the sensitive gear inside dry bags so that they won’t get wet. In the worst-case scenario, you can lose the paddle. Grab it as tightly as possible when you are about to fall.
2. Get the right side up: It is the first thing you have to do after falling. Grab any side with both hands, apply pressure and push it down. These motions will bring the watercraft into the right position. Many kayaker partners swim underneath the front and rear of the canoe directly. After lifting it up from the waterline, they turn it over quickly. A strong kayaker can do the same alone.
3. Get rid of water: They sit-on-top styled kayaks don’t hold any water. Once you flip it over, you are ready to get on it. Don’t expect the same from sit-inside kayaks or canoes. Their deep cockpits fill with water due to the rolling motion. Then, you must drain the water. Tilt it by grabbing any cockpit side. Hold this position until all water comes out. If you fail to bring out the water properly, let it be. Jump on the kayak, paddle it to the closest shore and remove the remaining water.
- Jump back to your seat: It is not possible without proper strength and skills. Again, grab any side. Kick in the water with both legs. It should be powerful enough to lift your upper body. Glide your chest up, twist the body, and come back to the seat.
- Dry yourself: Paddling is not comfortable when you are wet. Besides, you may catch a fever. Go to the shore and dry yourselves out. It will relax your body and mind too. Check whether you have to dry any essentials out or not. Then, restart your journey.
