How can you help a kayaker get back onto a sit-on-top kayak?

Suppose you are out on the water, and a kayaker falls off their sit-on-top kayak and can't get back onto it.  How can you help them get back onto their kayak, preferably without falling off your own kayak in the process?  What are some techniques which are safe and effective even if you are in big waves?  Is there equipment you can carry which will help you assist an overturned kayaker?

If they can't pull themselves back into the kayak you are in a pretty tough spot.
The best you can do is get on the opposite side and hold that edge down for them.
I would be very cautious about offering your hand to help pull them across. A panicking person could easily pull you into the water.
If you are close to shore and in a hobie it is possible to hang onto someone and drag them to shore.

You can also assist them with your paddle as something to grab on to and pull themselves up on the kayak while holding down the edge of their kayak. But like fungunnin said, if they are in a panic this may just put you in the drink also.

If they are in panic mode when you get near them, just whack them with your fish bonker and then help them. 

 

If they are in panic mode when you get near them, just whack them with your fish bonker and then help them. 

 

Holy shit!  I'm glad I wasn't panicking when you were helping me get into my kayak!  [emoji15]

Tell them there's a shark behind them. I bet they'll figure it out real quick.   

I've done this many times during HOW events. Typically sitting side saddle with one hand on their boat to stabilize it while pulling them up with your other hand works well. You have to get them to calm down and try to lay flat though otherwise they just pull  themselves mostly under the two kayaks. Also be prepared for them to face plant in your crotch. Happens 9 out of 10 times.

I've done this many times during HOW events. Typically sitting side saddle with one hand on their boat to stabilize it while pulling them up with your other hand works well. You have to get them to calm down and try to lay flat though otherwise they just pull  themselves mostly under the two kayaks. Also be prepared for them to face plant in your crotch. Happens 9 out of 10 times.

  There's a visual for ya......... got video ?

I've done this many times during HOW events. Typically sitting side saddle with one hand on their boat to stabilize it while pulling them up with your other hand works well. You have to get them to calm down and try to lay flat though otherwise they just pull  themselves mostly under the two kayaks. Also be prepared for them to face plant in your crotch. Happens 9 out of 10 times.

Bong stick I tell you!   

You will reduce that frequency by 100%.   

Or just smile as they head butt your junk. 

I thought my junk was the bonker...

Maybe next time Mark [emoji6]

I thought my junk was the bonker...

That's not what "she" said.   

I made a rope ladder  for my outback - hopefully I won't need it unless I'm totally worn out, but it is cheap insurance.  With a large carabiner, it is easy to clip it on the side of another kayak (if they have handles there) and then steady the opposite side while they "climb" back in.

Incidentally, I made the ladder after I had trouble getting back on the Outback once last year when I was wearing wading shoes ( hey, they are warm!).  Luckily Wobbler was close by and helped me out, but I learned not to wear an inflexible shoe on the water.

I do it by sitting side saddle and put my feet on the other yak to hold it down so it wont roll back towards the other guy trying to get in.