Kayak Fishing => For Safety's Sake => Topic started by: ZeeHawk on February 02, 2010, 01:38:06 AM
Title: The self rescue!
Post by: ZeeHawk on February 02, 2010, 01:38:06 AM
A quick video of how to do a self rescue. Pretty basic and something we should all know how to do. Make sure to practice once a year so when time comes to use it it's a snap. Enjoy and be safe out there kids.
Track: "Hate To Say I Told You So" Artist: The Hives
Z
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Fishesfromtupperware on February 02, 2010, 06:34:38 AM
That was GREAT! :icon_thumleft: :icon_thumleft: :icon_thumleft: :icon_thumleft: Way to show us how its done!
Now go do it in a Cobra Navigator XF. :lol:
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: hydrospider on February 02, 2010, 08:32:01 AM
thanks Bryce I just started introducing SOTing to my special lady friend and this is a great visual aid. I still plan on waiting for warmer weather before the aquatic bootcamp begins, but this is a great start.
Assuming your using the GoPro cam, Is it mounted or mountable with a 1/4" threaded holder? working on a new V-mount and may pick up a GoPro in the near future thanks again
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Spot on February 02, 2010, 08:42:49 AM
Nice, clean How-To there Zee! That was a quality short.
Now we want one in the surf!!!! ;D
-Spot-
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: deepcolor on February 02, 2010, 09:08:51 AM
You make it look easy. Thanks. (Wish I had a special lady friend I could show it to. But my wife might like to watch it. I'll check.)
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: goldendog on February 02, 2010, 08:27:53 PM
Nice job Zee! What camera were you using?
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: fishnut on February 02, 2010, 08:48:44 PM
Good tutorial Zee. What's up with Tupperware's Cobra navigator comment?
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: rawkfish on February 02, 2010, 09:15:06 PM
I had the same question, but from the credits after the clip and the fact that it looks like around 720p is it safe to say it was a GoPro? That is one sick little toy! 8) I'm going to have to start saving up for one of those!
http://www.goprocamera.com/hdheropreview/
Oh yeah, awesome how-to btw!
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: bsteves on February 02, 2010, 10:13:32 PM
Good tutorial Zee. What's up with Tupperware's Cobra navigator comment?
FFTW bought my old Cobra Navigator XF. It has a fairly high center of gravity and is a "dry ride" but as such can be a bit tricky to get back into during a self rescue. With a little practice and even that isn't too bad.
Brian
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: ZeeHawk on February 02, 2010, 10:51:02 PM
Assuming your using the GoPro cam, Is it mounted or mountable with a 1/4" threaded holder?
It is a GoPro cam and has a mounting system of it's own. Kind of like a hinge. Cool thing is that I use a suction cup mount that will work on any smooth surface. If you have a smooth kayak, like I know you do, it's awesome!
I had the same question, but from the credits after the clip and the fact that it looks like around 720p is it safe to say it was a GoPro? That is one sick little toy! 8) I'm going to have to start saving up for one of those!
I'm in the process of making a full review on this camera and it's safe to say I'm quite impressed. The image quality is very impressive.
Z
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: kykfshr on February 03, 2010, 12:12:31 AM
Nice video bryce, looking forward to your review on that camera. I might have to get me one of those.
Scott
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Fishesfromtupperware on February 03, 2010, 08:59:34 AM
Good tutorial Zee. What's up with Tupperware's Cobra navigator comment?
Primarily, I'm just yanking his chain >:D ;D
In fact, I'm pretty sure Zee could have done that vid with the Nav XF just fine as he has a bit more reach and is more athletic than I am. He makes it look easy because it isonce you have practiced it 3 or 4 times (literally)
On the other hand, it's really important to note that you try DO some deep water reboarding practice in your own boat(s). I love to puff up my chest and say I can dump my boat and be back on without getting my hat wet. And I could back that up too until one day on the Tualatin (http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,2683.0.html)that reminded me that our boats come in slightly different flavors.
Just to let you guys know, my review on the GoPro camera is on the front page.
Z
Oh Great. Another piece of 'must have' gear to buy!!!
Z, nice review...
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: fishnut on May 04, 2011, 02:33:36 PM
In preparation for the upcoming trip to Area#6 for Halibut and Lingcod, I decided today would be a good day to practice self rescue. I went to the local lake and tipped out a few times and got back in. Also flipped the yak a couple of times,flipped it back and got back in. Thanks for the reminder Zee that this should be practiced before the enivitable happens.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Ling Banger on December 12, 2011, 11:21:37 AM
Last Tuesday Jammer and I were chatting with the USCG at the Depoe Bay boat ramp as they were preparing to launch one of their smaller craft and go do some drills.
They told us that sometime in October they had to rescue a kayak fisherman in the ocean just outside Depoe Bay harbor entrance. They said he was wearing a wetsuit and had a vhf radio, but could not re-board his boat. They said he was "very fatigued and overweight."
I'm glad the guy is alive and well, and that he was able to use his radio to summon help. However this type of situation is a bummer and is avoidable.
It's easy to view the pics and video on this site and get excited to embark on fabulous fishing adventures. However, the people that make it look so easy (myself not included) usually have a some combination of years of experience and/or are in relatively good physical condition.
Please be honest with yourself regarding your assessment of your personal abilities and limitations. If you have any doubts at all, fish with a buddy. Also, BEFORE venturing onto waters that may jeopardize your life (or the safety of those around you) practice and become proficient at the self rescue maneuver that Zee demonstrates so beautifully at the beginning of this thread.
Here's to a safe 2012!
Cheers, Ling Banger
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Pelagic on December 12, 2011, 11:57:52 AM
Amen to that! Words to literally live by!
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Fishesfromtupperware on December 12, 2011, 02:11:03 PM
Last Tuesday Jammer and I were chatting with the USCG at the Depoe Bay boat ramp as they were preparing to launch one of their smaller craft and go do some drills.
They told us that sometime in October they had to rescue a kayak fisherman in the ocean just outside Depoe Bay harbor entrance. ........They said he was "very fatigued and overweight."
Hmmm, seems like I've read something like that somewhere before: :icon_scratch:
Also, BEFORE venturing onto waters that may jeopardize your lifeany waters (or the safety of those around you) practice and become proficient at the self rescue maneuver that Zee demonstrates so beautifully at the beginning of this thread.
Here's to a safe 2012!
Cheers, Ling Banger
Title: The self rescue!
Post by: ZeeHawk on December 12, 2011, 02:28:48 PM
It's easy to view the pics and video on this site and get excited to embark on fabulous fishing adventures. However, the people that make it look so easy (myself not included) usually have a some combination of years of experience and/or are in relatively good physical condition.
Please be honest with yourself regarding your assessment of your personal abilities and limitations. If you have any doubts at all, fish with a buddy. Also, BEFORE venturing onto waters that may jeopardize your life (or the safety of those around you) practice and become proficient at the self rescue maneuver that Zee demonstrates so beautifully at the beginning of this thread.
Here's to a safe 2012!
Cheers, Ling Banger
I'll drink to that!
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: kardinal_84 on December 12, 2011, 03:48:55 PM
Zee makes it look too easy. I have not tried it with my outback but will this spring. I've heard the width of the outback creates problems for people with a short reach (me).
I had two issues that kept me from completing a self rescue. One you will likely never have to deal with, the other though you may.
The first was I had somehow jammed my paddle into the handle as I was trying to brace. Just a stupid rookie move. But that's what caused me to flip. But that's also what kept me from being able to turn my kayak back over.
The second more likely problem was I weighed a TON after water had seeped in to my belt tightened waders and my regular jacket got water logged. There was no way I was pulling my self above the waterline. While in the water, no problem. But out of the water I weighed a ton!
Freaked me out enough that I now wear a semi dry suit no matter how the weather (keep in mind I live in Alaska). The only time I would NOT wear one is if it was warm enough to go in shorts and t-shirt (or wetsuit I suppose).
I also installed "stirrups" that can be deployed in case I am too tired or if nothing else just for peace of mind.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: islandson671 on December 12, 2011, 06:19:55 PM
I got my drysuit a few weeks ago, can't wait to try out the self rescue in a couple of months.
When it's this cold, I only surf da white powdah.
Title: The self rescue!
Post by: Ling Banger on December 12, 2011, 08:55:00 PM
I had a basketball coach as a kid who said "practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect."
In this case it means outfit yourself and your kayak as if you were going to fish. Don't just wear a wetsuit for practice if you are going to fish in waders. Put on your PFD with your knife and radio and Mr. T chains if that's what you wear on the water. Mount your rod holders and the gear you would have on deck. That way you'll know what you're going to get hung up on and what steps you'll need to take to efficiently get your ass back on your comfy kayak seat when your time comes.
I'm totally not trying to take the place of "Captain Safety" since he was kicked off the board. I just don't want to see the Coasties looking at us like "there goes another bunch of dipshits" or worse. Because I hate funerals and kayakers are cheap, and I know none of you will have an open bar the day you're laid to rest. I dunno, The Jade might, but I'm betting he'll outlive us all.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Spot on December 12, 2011, 09:05:11 PM
Self rescue is an area that would really benefit from the innovation that we kayak anglers have always applied to our art of catching fish from tub toys. I've had a half dozen ideas for facilitating an easier entry floating around my head for a couple of years now. I really need to get out there and dial them in. I'm sure a lot of you have some ideas on the topic too.
Any one try the paddle float technique the SINK guys use? Seems like it'd work even better on an SOT.
-Spot-
Title: The self rescue!
Post by: polepole on December 12, 2011, 09:06:37 PM
Stirrup!
-Allen
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: craig on December 12, 2011, 09:07:41 PM
I had a basketball coach as a kid who said "practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect."
In this case it means outfit yourself and your kayak as if you were going to fish. Don't just wear a wetsuit for practice if you are going to fish in waders. Put on your PFD with your knife and radio and Mr. T chains if that's what you wear on the water. Mount your rod holders and the gear you would have on deck. That way you'll know what you're going to get hung up on and what steps you'll need to take to efficiently get your ass back on your comfy kayak seat when your time comes.
I'm totally not trying to take the place of "Captain Safety" since he was kicked off the board. I just don't want to see the Coasties looking at us like "there goes another bunch of dipshits" or worse. Because I hate funerals and kayakers are cheap, and I know none of you will have an open bar the day you're laid to rest. I dunno, The Jade might, but I'm betting he'll outlive us all.
You are right. Judging by what I have seen on here, most people's caskets would be made of PVC from Home Depot, lined with pool noodle foam from the dollar store. ;D
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Pelagic on December 12, 2011, 09:17:18 PM
I noticed one thing when handing out coffee at the Sturgeon event last weekend. Most folks did not consider self rescue reentry when setting up accessories (rod holders etc) on their yaks. On my kayaks all the "stuff" is attached to the right side (nothing on the left side at all) as my reentry side is on the left. I want my strongest arm, my right, toward the back of the yak so I can press up and rotate into the saddle on my dominate arm. Many of the yaks had gear mounted all over the deck and a person would have to drag over the top of it making the likely hood of snagging your PFD a problem and reentry more difficult.
Title: The self rescue!
Post by: kardinal_84 on December 12, 2011, 10:04:30 PM
You are right. Judging by what I have seen on here, most people's caskets would be made of PVC from Home Depot, lined with pool noodle foam from the dollar store. ;D
Hey!!!! That was going to be my new business idea! But my policy would be I wouldn't sell that kinda coffin for accidents. Only if you died of old age and as an avid kayak fisherman. The idea is cool enuf i dont want to encourage risky behavior!
So hush!
But seriously, the other poster saying wear chains if that's how you fish holds true. I would have taken my jacket and sweater off at the end of the day if I wanted to practice. But THATS exactly what would have weighed me down .
Glad to hear hear Allen say stirrups because I have two of them. I also have a buoy set up for harpooning big halibut that allows for attaching to the end of the paddle. My downfall is I haven't tried any. But I have multiple options to try: normal self entry, two stirrups wrapped around both handles, and a paddle float set up. But I agree, no substitute for practice. How hard could it be with practice? Divers use sot kayaks. Would REALLY suck for them if they couldn't get back on!
I need to practice but DAMN it's COLD even in the summer here. Next spring I PLEDGE to practice more. Besides I want to try some surfing AFTER a successful day of fishing.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: INSAYN on December 13, 2011, 09:58:09 AM
Ya know if someone wanted to put on a cold salt water self rescue clinic, practice day with no boat traffic or much of an audience around I'd suggest Whalen Island just past Sand Lake on your way south to Cape Kiwanda. The water is ocean cold salt, and there is a nice 28 foot deep hole to play in. More than enough for many kayaks to play at the same time. It gets ankle shallow on 3 of the 4 sides pretty quick so if a person is having issues, they can float to any side and try again. The launch is merely feet from the deep hole, so it's really easy to get on the water.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Alkasazi on December 13, 2011, 12:20:04 PM
yep, a paddle float can be used to help re-enter a sit-on-top. combining it with a stirrup can make it really easy. the paddle float can also come in handy for a variety of other things, so I tend to always carry one.
crawling on from bow or stern also works well for some. keep your belly in contact with the boat, that helps keep your center of gravity low.
and to echo several others, practice, practice, practice.
Any one try the paddle float technique the SINK guys use? Seems like it'd work even better on an SOT.
-Spot-
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Dan_E on December 13, 2011, 02:28:22 PM
I appreciate the timeliness of the thread, as I learn to paddle a SOT and how best to get it set up. I have a stirrup on my Pungo SINK, but can't see how to attach one to a SOT. Anyone have pics or description of deploying a stirrup on their SOT? Are you using it looped around your paddle as I've seen some others use?
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Alkasazi on December 13, 2011, 02:35:42 PM
Yes, I would loop around the paddle. here's a video of it being done with a sit-inside. would work the same for sit-on-top, minus the wriggling into cockpit:
ps - I'd recommend forwarding through blowing up of the paddle float.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Dan_E on December 13, 2011, 05:56:41 PM
Thanks for the video link, I remember seeing a demo several years ago and will revisit the idea now that I am using a SOT. Using the legs to hoist oneself back in the kayak is much easier than hoping your upper arm strength is enough.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Fishesfromtupperware on December 14, 2011, 03:34:39 PM
You are right. Judging by what I have seen on here, most people's caskets would be made of PVC from Home Depot, lined with pool noodle foam from the dollar store. ;D
Most folks did not consider self rescue reentry when setting up accessories (rod holders etc) on their yaks. Many of the yaks had gear mounted all over the deck and a person would have to drag over the top of it making the likely hood of snagging your PFD a problem and reentry more difficult.
I'd agree that you need to practice re-boarding fully loaded. But for the first foray you might want to try it naked.
Well, maybe with the a pfd and drysuit, but with the boat un-rigged and certainly no rods.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: craig on December 14, 2011, 05:37:17 PM
You are right. Judging by what I have seen on here, most people's caskets would be made of PVC from Home Depot, lined with pool noodle foam from the dollar store. ;D
Quote
You been in my garage again? ???
I have to be honest, I was thinking of you when I posted, but didn't want to name names. ;)
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: demonick on December 18, 2011, 09:45:59 AM
Zee's demo is good, and the simplest form of self-rescue. Most folks who choose to do what we do should be fit enough to perform it. However, in rough water or if highly fatigued or if weighed down it could be a challenge.
The other video shows the use of a paddle float and stirrup. It seemed like a long, involved procedure. Fine for flat water as in the vid, but probably a bit more difficult in wind and swells and chop. I'm thinking something similar but simpler. A simple stirrup to help with Zee's "good kick". Just a short strap or line with a snap on one end and a loop on the other. It should be small enough to carry in your PFD. Snap it to the carry handle on your side (I'm thinking selfishly of my Revo), put foot in loop, then proceed with Zee's procedure.
I've never tried a stirrup, but I suppose a potential issue is flipping the yak over you. Real world experimentation is in order. Sounds like fun!
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: browneyesvictim on July 26, 2013, 01:17:03 PM
Had a little reentry practice last weekend with Josh. The Self Rescue Ladder seems the most simple- Especially for flipping wide boats back over. I wouldn't want to try flipping a PA back over without one of these for sure! As stated earlier, physical fitness and fatique play a large factor. http://youtu.be/fAtnJ829Nbc (http://youtu.be/fAtnJ829Nbc)
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Spot on July 26, 2013, 02:34:55 PM
Had a little reentry practice last weekend with Josh. The Self Rescue Ladder seems the most simple- Especially for flipping wide boats back over. I wouldn't want to try flipping a PA back over without one of these for sure! As stated earlier, physical fitness and fatique play a large factor.
That's a pretty elegant solution. I'll have to give it a try sometime. I'm not sure if would help in the surfzone though.
-Spot-
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Romanian Redneck on July 26, 2013, 02:41:50 PM
You made that look easy. Great video!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: browneyesvictim on July 26, 2013, 02:43:14 PM
In the surf zone you just get your a$$ handed to you!
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: TVET on July 26, 2013, 02:43:55 PM
Very informational, thanks Zee! Now all I need is a kayak to practice with, can't wait.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: threecreeks on July 26, 2013, 03:55:57 PM
I'm down here sitting in Cape Lookout State Park enjoying the read. Lots of great info to be gathered. Completely agree with Pelagic's commentary regarding deck set-up. Seems like a clean deck is a safe deck. When the inevitable huli occurs, the less in the way for quick re-entry the better. The less flotsam to collect the better, too.
When I was setting up the Fish-N-Dive I found some picks of other set ups from the more experienced and well traveled folk in here's Fish-N-Dive pics (Spot and Pelagic). It wasn't just about the where something was put but the how's and why's. It also seemed like the ocean pics of their craft were streamlined vs. the river pics.
Zee's tutorial was great. The one thing I'd add fwiw is just simply this....don't panic! Taking lessons learned from years of whitewater and swift water rescue experience, panic makes simple tasks into rocket science. Taking a few seconds to take a mental inventory of your situation and maybe even laugh a little will allow you the time to collect your thoughts and then concentrate on the task at hand. Getting back into your boat. If you're dressed for immersion you're not going to freeze. If you have a clean deck, you'll have little if any flotsam. If you don't pre-think your re-entry, you'll miss. Misses equal fatigue. Better to take a minute or 30 seconds or whatever time you need to think and make a good solid re-entry then tire yourself out with many attempts. Seems like every time I've dumped in the surf, if I'm able to forget about the sharks that I'm sure are gonna eat me, I just relax, inventory, pre-think the re-entry and flop on up.
Thanks for a great topic!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: goldendog on July 27, 2013, 11:40:40 AM
When I first practiced re-entry with the Outback, I was surprised how easy it was to get back into. Much easier than my little Caper. Flipping it back over was even easier grabbing the drive well. I was able to get back aboard much quicker than the guy in the video.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: laughingsteelhead on July 27, 2013, 11:42:11 AM
I'm thinking something similar but simpler. A simple stirrup to help with Zee's "good kick". Just a short strap or line with a snap on one end and a loop on the other. It should be small enough to carry in your PFD. Snap it to the carry handle on your side (I'm thinking selfishly of my Revo), put foot in loop, then proceed with Zee's procedure.
I've never tried a stirrup, but I suppose a potential issue is flipping the yak over you. Real world experimentation is in order. Sounds like fun!
Just got back from practicing self rescue in my Outback. Made a simple stirrup using a tie-down strap from my pick up and a 1.5 inch x 12" piece of PVC. I attached it behind the seat where i have my Ama sidekick bar. It was so much easier with the strap. It got a lot easier once i really concentrated on kicking with my free leg.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Dark Tuna on April 16, 2015, 11:43:52 PM
Is the video in the top post still alive? I see blank space in the post.
Had a chance to figure out self-rescue on a warm lake while testing a Big Tuna last summer with my teenage daughter on board. We were laughing our heads off after we rolled. I was out of the seat when she turned and leaned the same way I did.
The stand assist strap on the Jackson works well for righting if attached to a side handle. Flipping a wide boat without a strap is near impossible.
Didn't thing to use the loop as a foot assist but that would have been easier than the fish kick re-entry. Thanks for the pointers, I'll want to try this out!
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: MikeinFresno on July 06, 2015, 01:49:46 PM
for those of you who have an Outback, and have the ladder assist strap, what length of strap would I use? The web site for the commercial units made do not give lengths or specify what they consider a large or regular size yak.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: hdpwipmonkey on July 06, 2015, 04:44:13 PM
I just went to the lake with a piece longer then I knew I needed and tied it at different lengths till I found the length and location that worked best for me. Once I found the length that worked best for me I cut off the extra and made it look pretty. :banjo:
Works great. There was no way I was getting my self up over the side of my outback without it.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: pmmpete on July 06, 2015, 05:25:05 PM
If I flip my fishing kayak, I want to flip it back upright and heave myself back in as quickly as possible, so I can deal with whatever flipped me over. I have seem some videos of people demonstrating the use of stirrups, ladders, and paddle floats to right a kayak and climb back into it, which showed that they can be deployed fairly quickly and efficiently. But I have seen other videos where the demonstrator fumbled around endlessly getting his or her equipment set up, even in flat water. Slow is not good. Fast is good. So if you use a stirrup or ladder to get back into your kayak, practice so you can right your kayak and get back into it with the assistance of your equipment pretty quickly. You probably won't be able to get back in your kayak nearly as fast as somebody who isn't using a stirrup or ladder. But if you can't get back into your kayak without a stirrup or a ladder, getting back in slowly is way better than being unable to get back in.
A technique issue: When climbing back into a kayak, some people like to grab the near gunwale with one hand, and the far gunwale with the other hand. This is the technique which Zeehawk demonstrated in the video in the initial posting in this thread. I prefer to lay horizontal in the water, grab the near gunwale with both hands, and pull myself up across my kayak (or pull the kayak underneath me, depending on your perspective) with one quick motion. When spearfishing, I do this many times a day with 13-16 pounds of weights on my body and 3.5 pounds on each ankle, and I find that grabbing the near gunwale with both hands works best for me. But try both techniques, and see what works best for you when climbing back into your kayak.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Trident 13 on January 18, 2017, 06:48:59 AM
Lots of new folks and it's a good reminder that sometimes the most exciting part of kayak is getting back in. Saw this on a site and thought I'd toss it out. There's other good videos toward the beginning of this link. This shows a cowboy rentry at the start that can be a challenge when you have gear on the deck but also show the faster "pull yourself in" that works pretty good but requires some practice, especially when it's cold as now.
Title: Re: The self rescue!
Post by: Fred "True" Trujillo on July 23, 2017, 09:54:37 AM
I got out to the lake to practice my re-entry skills before getting out to the ocean next week. I know it's a... little different being in a slight swell than it is on a calmer lake. I didn't wear what I would wear on the ocean except for my life-jacket. The water was a bit chilly and the initial dump into the water caught me by surprise, but I was able to throw my Revo 13 and Mini-X over pretty easily, pushing them both up and over. After a few times doing that, I remembered that I'd probably be loaded with crab pots, a fish-finder battery and other miscellaneous gear so it might be harder to push than to pull. On the next couple of tries, I pulled myself over the flipped kayak, grabbed the far handle and let my 185 pounds pull it back to the upright position. So much easier! I know I need to practice this every year or so because just my THINKING that I'm in shape and can pull myself into a kayak doesn't necessarily mean that I can.
My daughters (8 and 15) also got into their kayaks and practiced re-entry as well for when they eventually come fishing with me whether it be on the lake, bay or river. I told them, "This is one of the skills you have to have in order to go kayaking. If you can do it and pull yourself in then you can kayak. You can't expect someone else to do it for you." They seemed pretty proud fo their achievement.