This story was originally published in Canoe and Kayak Magazine. Words by Bill Vonnegut. Rocks in coastal environments are often very sharp and covered with barnacles, which is problematic when you have to launch a kayak from them. There are many ways to launch a kayak from a rock, but many of them result in damage to the boat or require a rock with a specific type of surface. When paddling in the rock gardens, finding a rock surface that is just right is usually not an option.
One popular way to launch a kayak off a rock or high surface is to put it in the water and push it away. The paddler then swims to the boat and enters with a self-rescue. This option is easy on the boat, but it takes time and requires a swim in what could be a cold, dynamic location. A quick and dry method is the seal launch. The paddler gets in the boat on shore, puts their skirt on, and slides down the rock right into the water. While a seal launch is a lot of fun, it often leaves a trail of plastic down the rocks and deep gouges in the boat. If there is a smooth spot, then go for the seal launch.
Launch like a seal. Photo: Courtesy of Bill Vonnegut If there are no smooth rock faces and the area is too dynamic for a swim, there is a lesser known low abrasion option, which will not gouge the boat or require swimming in cold water. The concept is quite simple too; just push the boat into the water and jump on as it clears the rocks. This launch is challenging, but can become easy with practice of some foundational components. Keep it simple by using the beach to start. First, walk out and lay on the boat and then try it in deeper water. Once that becomes easy, start adding more speed each time. Finally, be a bit more aggressive by jumping on the boat with speed. To simulate launching off a rock, try practicing from a dock. This superb Speed Launch video by Body Boat Blade shows the progression nicely:
An excellent way to make this move more natural is to practice it every time you paddle. Whether you’re launching from a dock or the beach, use this launch method. Then when you find yourself eating lunch on a rock, it will be easy to launch and continue on with your day. More from Canoe and Kayak Magazine More rock gardening skills Watch: Highlights from some of the best rock gardening of 2016 Essential gear for rock gardening
The article was originally published on Canoe & Kayak
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This story was originally published in Canoe and Kayak Magazine. Words by Bill Vonnegut.
Rocks in coastal environments are often very sharp and covered with barnacles, which is problematic when you have to launch a kayak from them.
There are many ways to launch a kayak from a rock, but many of them result in damage to the boat or require a rock with a specific type of surface. When paddling in the rock gardens, finding a rock surface that is just right is usually not an option.
One popular way to launch a kayak off a rock or high surface is to put it in the water and push it away. The paddler then swims to the boat and enters with a self-rescue. This option is easy on the boat, but it takes time and requires a swim in what could be a cold, dynamic location.
A quick and dry method is the seal launch.
The paddler gets in the boat on shore, puts their skirt on, and slides down the rock right into the water. While a seal launch is a lot of fun, it often leaves a trail of plastic down the rocks and deep gouges in the boat. If there is a smooth spot, then go for the seal launch.
If there are no smooth rock faces and the area is too dynamic for a swim, there is a lesser known low abrasion option, which will not gouge the boat or require swimming in cold water. The concept is quite simple too; just push the boat into the water and jump on as it clears the rocks.
This launch is challenging, but can become easy with practice of some foundational components. Keep it simple by using the beach to start.
First, walk out and lay on the boat and then try it in deeper water. Once that becomes easy, start adding more speed each time. Finally, be a bit more aggressive by jumping on the boat with speed. To simulate launching off a rock, try practicing from a dock. This superb Speed Launch video by Body Boat Blade shows the progression nicely:
An excellent way to make this move more natural is to practice it every time you paddle. Whether you’re launching from a dock or the beach, use this launch method. Then when you find yourself eating lunch on a rock, it will be easy to launch and continue on with your day.
More from Canoe and Kayak Magazine
More rock gardening skills
Watch: Highlights from some of the best rock gardening of 2016
Essential gear for rock gardening
The article was originally published on Canoe & Kayak
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
More News
Famed Yosemite Climber Zach Milligan Dies After Ice Climbing Fall
Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
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Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
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Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
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