LIP GRIPPER [ SKI L LS ]
UPSIDE DOWN AND DIRTY
SECRETS FOR A WORLD TURNED TOPSY-TURVY BY JEFF HERMAN
T
he stability of that big, wide, honkin’ kayak is a great thing… usually. All that
elbowroom sure makes fishing more comfort- able whether you’re tying knots or scoping fish on the sonar. The extra width also adds volume and keeps the deck drier, and that’s certainly another plus. The hiccup, the nega- tive, the downside, the dirty little secret with wider kayaks is when you flip one, getting it right side up can be tough. There are plenty of ways to get back onto
that heavy-haul fishing machine if you find yourself swimming, but getting the kayak right side up after turtling is rarely covered in detail. Here are some of the best ways to right your ship when you’re in deep trouble.
SKIL LS | RIGGING | FOOD | TACTICS | DESTINATION ON EDGE: USING A LINE AND TWO FEET
TO RIGHT A STUBBORN KAYAK. PHOTO: JEFF HERMAN
ESCAPING THE GREEN ROOM First, after flipping, when you surface from the green room, make sure to grab and stay with the kayak. Aside from the paddle, forget about your other gear. It’s more important to regain the deck. You can chase after spilt milk later. Next, swim across the hull at amidships
and grip the far grab handle. Not so coinci- dentally, this is the first step of the Belly, Butt, Feet rescue, the most popular method for sit- on-top kayakers to climb out of the drink. Once you are on the hull and have the far grab handle, shift your weight towards your feet while pulling on the handle. Bam! Your boat is now right side up, ready and waiting. Welcome aboard.
LIVING ON THE EDGE If the above maneuver fails due to wind, waves or the broad beam of that wide kayak, keep your cool and consider one of the fol- lowing options: Take a paddle leash, stringer or any other
rope and tie it to a side grab handle. Throw it over the hull and then swim under the kayak. Now, just like above, push down on the edge of the kayak closest to you while pulling the
rope. Once the edge catches and starts to go underwater, the rope should allow you to get the deck sunny side up again. For kayaks wider than 32 inches, you might find it easier to use both feet to start the process of bury- ing the edge, and then pull the rope as if you were climbing up a wall. Think Batman circa the ‘60s and you have the right idea.
TEE OFF Got a buddy? There’s another alternative to get sorted out. Have your kayaking partner paddle over and grab either the bow or the stern of the capsized kayak. Swim down to the opposite end and push down so your friend can get the end of the kayak up and over his deck. The two boats should form a “T” shape. Now you can both twist in unison to roll the hull right side up. Congratulations, you’ve just accomplished the T rescue. As with any recovery technique, practice
makes perfect. Get out there and find your comfort zone. Jeff Herman is an expert ACA instructor,
but don’t hold it against him. The Ocean Kay- ak pro staffer is a deadly fish hunter who loves nothing more than roping big Texas reds.
www.kayakanglermag.com… 23
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