Kayak Launching: Easy Tips To Avoid Hull Damage

Launching a kayak from a boat ramp is less about how to get into the kayak and more about proper ramp etiquette. If there is no one waiting to use the ramp, it is fine to take your time. However, if there are people with boats waiting, it is important to be mindful of them. Before entering the ramp, ensure that you have all your gear, your life jacket is on, and you are ready to launch. When on the ramp, wear shoes with good tread to avoid slipping, and walk into the water until it is about knee-deep before getting into your kayak. This will help prevent the kayak hull from scraping on the ramp. Once you are in the water, move to the side and out of the loading area to make space for others.

Prepare your kayak and gear before entering the ramp

Before you enter the ramp, there are several things you should do to prepare your kayak and gear. Firstly, ensure that you have all your safety gear and that your personal flotation device (PFD) is snug. Check that your other essentials are stowed where you want them, and that your foot pegs are adjusted correctly. If you have a rudder or skeg, make sure it is up.

Secondly, consider the type of kayak and the location. If you are kayaking in the ocean, choose a sit-on kayak if possible, as the seating area of a sit-in kayak may fill with water when encountering high waves. If you are launching from a shoreline, enter the water with your kayak perpendicular to the shore. If you have a longer kayak, you may find it easier to launch while parallel. If you are launching from a dock, place your kayak in the water parallel to the dock.

Finally, wear the right shoes. Boat ramps can be wet, slick, and have algae growing on them, so wear shoes with good tread to prevent slipping.

Wear shoes with good tread

When launching a kayak, it is important to wear shoes with good tread. The right footwear will protect your feet when entering and exiting the kayak and keep them warm and comfortable. Waterproof shoes are not always the best option, especially in hot weather, as they can make your feet uncomfortable if water gets in and is unable to drain.

Water shoes are a popular choice for kayakers as they dry and drain water quickly, making them an excellent choice for paddling in summer weather. Sandals are also a good option, especially in hot weather, as they are lightweight and versatile. They are easy to put on and take off and don't tend to hold onto excess moisture. If you do choose to wear sandals, select a pair with minimal material and plastic buckles.

If you are launching your kayak in cold weather, waterproof shoes are a better option as they provide some natural insulation. Rubber boots are also a good choice as they are insulative and waterproof. They can also provide stability if you need to portage or transport your kayak.

If you are kayaking in a location with tricky trails or you frequently have to get out of your kayak to navigate troublesome areas, you will need more durable and rugged footwear. Your shoes should be slip-resistant and have ample traction. Rubber is a good material to look for in kayaking shoes.

It is also important to consider socks when choosing your kayaking footwear. Socks made with waterproof and wind-resistant materials such as Gore-Tex will help keep your feet warm and comfortable. Wool socks are another good option as they are comfortable in most conditions, dry quickly, and are odour-resistant.

Overall, when choosing shoes to wear when launching a kayak, look for footwear with good tread that will provide traction and stability. Consider the temperature and choose shoes that will keep your feet comfortable and protected.

Walk into the water until it's knee-deep before getting into the kayak

One of the most important things to do before kayaking is to learn how to launch your kayak. The first thing to consider when launching a kayak is the launch point. Kayaking in the ocean is very different from kayaking in a freshwater river or lake. Launching from a boat or kayak ramp is ideal, but you can also use a sloping section of the shoreline.

When launching from a shoreline, walk into the water until it's about knee-deep. Keep an eye on the waves—depending on the type, they can be anywhere from 0.2 to 30 seconds apart. Point the nose of your kayak directly towards the surf and wait for a break in the waves. Then, jump into your kayak as quickly as possible before the next set of waves hits.

Here's a step-by-step guide to launching your kayak from a shoreline with knee-deep water:

Step 1: Carry Your Kayak to the Water's Edge

Carefully move your kayak to the water's edge, avoiding any rocks or debris that could scratch or tangle it. Ensure that the nose of your vessel extends far enough into the water that the cockpit area is floating, while the end of the kayak remains on the sloping shore.

Step 2: Position Yourself in the Water

Walk into the water until it reaches about knee height. This depth allows you to ease yourself and your kayak into the water without struggling to stay afloat while boarding. The shoreline will also provide traction for your kayak, making it easier to balance as you get in.

Step 3: Face the Surf and Jump into Your Kayak

Keep an eye on the waves and wait for a break between sets. Point the bow of your kayak directly towards the incoming waves. When you see a lull, quickly jump into your kayak before the next wave hits.

Step 4: Paddle Out and Break Through the Waves

Once you're seated in your kayak, use your paddle to start moving. Paddle directly into the waves using hard, fast strokes to break through them.

By following these steps and walking into the water until it's knee-deep, you'll be able to launch your kayak smoothly and safely without dragging the hull on the boat ramp.

Move to the side and out of the loading area after launching

Once you have launched your kayak into the water, it is important to move to the side and out of the loading area. This is especially important if there are other people with boats waiting to use the ramp. Boats are large and it can be hard to see down into the water, so moving out of the way will ensure that others can safely launch their boats.

If you are launching from a dock, it is also important to tie a rope to the centre point of the kayak and to the dock before you get in. This will prevent the kayak from rolling in either direction. Once you are in the kayak and ready to paddle out, simply untie the rope from the dock.

Additionally, be sure to place your paddle on the dock within reach before you get into the kayak. That way, you won't have to reach out of the kayak or get out again to grab it.

Be mindful of other boaters waiting to use the ramp

When launching a kayak from a boat ramp, it's important to be mindful of other boaters who may be waiting to use the ramp. Here are some tips to ensure you're being considerate and efficient:

• Preparation is key: Before you even get to the ramp, make sure you have all your gear packed, your life jacket on, and everything is ready to go. This will help you launch your kayak quickly and smoothly, without keeping others waiting.
• Choose the right footwear: Boat ramps can be slippery due to algae growth. Avoid flip-flops and opt for shoes with good tread to prevent any accidental falls as you walk down the ramp with your kayak.
• Launch at the right spot: Walk into the water until it's about knee-deep before getting into your kayak. This will provide better balance and help you avoid scraping the bottom of your kayak on the ramp.
• Move away promptly: Once you're in the water, paddle to the side and out of the loading area. Larger boats may be waiting to use the ramp, and it can be difficult for them to see into the water. Your promptness in moving away will be appreciated!
• Be considerate: Remember, when using a boat ramp, be conscious of those with boats waiting to get into the water. A boat ramp is often the only way for them to launch their boats, so be respectful of their time and space.

Frequently asked questions