A kayak can flip when you least expect it. But don’t panic, there are things you can do to get back on top of the water before all your gear goes floating away!
This article will tell you what to do if a kayak flips and how to avoid flipping in the first place. Remember, safety is key!
What to do if your kayak flips
Swift action is required to stay safe when your kayak flips. What you do will depend on what type of kayak you have – either a sit on top or sit-in kayak (with or without a skirt).
Sit On Top Kayak Flips
If you are using a sit-on-top kayak and you flip the first thing to do is get to the surface for air.
Next swim to your kayak, find and secure your paddle, and gather any other gear that may have fallen out.
Then flip the sit-on top kayak upright and secure all the gear inside it.
Lastly, straddle the kayak from the side or rear to get back into it.
See the video below for an example
Smaller kayakers might need leverage to flip the kayak back over. Watch this video to see how it’s done using a small rope.
Sit In Kayak Flips
If you in a sit-in kayak the situation changes. You won’t naturally fall out of it.
Instead, you’ll need to perform a wet exit.
If you are using a spray skirt first lean forward, then find the handle. Use the handle in front of you to pull the skirt off the kayak. Next push the kayak off like you are taking off a pair of pants.
Watch this video to see how to do a wet exit with a spray skirt.
***Note – It’s vitally important you practice wet exits near the shore with a friend standing next to you. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! You can get trapped if you flip and haven’t practiced this!
If you aren’t using a spray skirt then just push the kayak off.
Come to the surface for air then gather your gear.
Watch this video from REI to see how to get back on your kayak.
The next part is tough since the kayak may be waterlogged if you aren’t using floats.
The easiest way to deal with it is to take it to shore and dump out the water.
If you can’t do that you’ll need to bail the water out manually.
Watch this video on how to bail out a flooded kayak.
Can you get out of a kayak if it flips? Will I get trapped?
Yes, you can always get out of a kayak if it flips if you are prepared. Sit on top kayaks can’t hold you in and you can easily swim up to the surface. Sit in kayaks will hold you a bit and spray skirts will trap you underwater until you release them using the handle in front of the skirt.
After releasing the handle in front of the spray skirt (or without one) the next step to get out is to push the sit-in kayak off of you like taking off a pair of pants.
Do kayaks flip over easy?
Yes. Kayaks are built for speed and maneuverability. Because of that they can easily flip if you have poor balance and haven’t learned and practiced basic strokes, balance, and bracing.
Kayaks are also likely to flip if you are very tall or overweight. This brings your center of gravity higher and will make it difficult to maintain your balance. The best way to avoid this is to use a larger sit-on-top kayak.
Will a kayak sink if filled with water?
No, a kayak will not sink even if filled with water. The only time this happens is when you are using a sit-in kayak without a skirt and floats inside the kayak. Most kayaks have soft or hard floats but even with those, they can get filled with water after a flip.
When this happens you need to go to shore as shown in the video above to dump out the water or use a bailer or cup.
Why did my kayak flip?
There can be several reasons why your kayak flipped over. The most common is the weight distribution and balance of you and your gear. Your center of gravity should be close to the kayak’s center or slightly lower than that. If you are tall and your gear isn’t in a low position then this will make it difficult for you to keep balanced.
How do I stop my kayak from flipping?
Bracing is the number one way to stop a flip. It’s a skill that’s best learned on the shore, then practiced in shallow water with a guide or friend, then practiced in deeper water, and finally practiced in moving water and rapids.
Distributing your gear evenly along the length of the boat is also important. You don’t want heavier pieces of gear off-center. That will make you more likely to flip to that side.
Watch this video on bracing.
Tips for avoiding flipping
- Take intro kayaking lessons!
- Watch the videos above
- Practice bracing with a guide or friend
- Balance the weight of the kayak by distributing gear evenly
Safety precautions you should always take when kayaking
Always wear a life vest with a whistle
Do not go out on the water alone
Bring a paper map and keep it in a dry bag so you don’t get lost.
Have backup gear, including food and water in case something goes wrong.
Start small – kayak with a guide for your first trip. Then try a lake with friends. Later move on to slow moving water.
Keep learning! You can learn everything you need using youtube videos and practicing at a local lake with friends. For more complicated skills like rolling and whitewater seek out local classes.
