Learn How to Perform the Scramble Self-Rescue Move

Learn How to Perform the Scramble Self-Rescue Move

What happens if you are out of your kayak in the water, and you need to get back in on your own? Think ahead and learn how to perform the scramble self-rescue move.

You should always kayak with a buddy if you don’t know how to perform a roll, but let’s say you get separated somehow. Or maybe you messed up your roll because you were performing it in unfamiliar conditions. You find yourself outside of your kayak, and you need to get back in as quickly and efficiently as possible. What do you do?

This is where the Scramble comes into play. The Scramble is a move for literally scrambling to get back into your kayak. Here are the steps:

1. First, you have to flip your kayak upright.
2. Next, approach from the side by the stern.
3. Hoist yourself up onto the boat—the same way you would if you were trying to emerge from a swimming pool without using the stairs.
4. Next, throw your leg up and over. Straddle the kayak.
5. Carefully inch toward the seat and get your legs back in.

The Scramble isn’t the only way to get back into your kayak after you’ve been unseated, and in some situations it won’t even be the easiest (though there really is no “easy” way back in). It is a great move to have as a backup plan, however, and definitely worth checking out.