PADDLERsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Entering and exiting a paddle craft can be challenging, even for experienced paddlers! You should practice boarding, exiting and securing your paddle craft in a shallow water area with an experienced paddler at your side. Oh, and don’t be afraid to get wet! In fact,  prepare for it—it’s rare to enter a canoe or kayak flawlessly on a first attempt!

The ‘Three Points of Contact’ Technique

Use the ‘Three Points of Contact’ technique whenever you enter, exit or move around in a paddle craft. To do this, make sure you have either both hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand, firmly planted on the paddle craft for stability anytime you are up from your seat.