Mariner Kayaks Owner's Manual to:

   There are a variety of group rescues described in kayaking texts, such as the X, TX, H, and HI. These begin with emptying the water out of the overturned kayak by lifting and rocking it over the deck or paddles (held across the decks) of the upright kayaks. The rescuers then help the victim back into the kayak. Rescues of this type will usually work if conditions are sufficiently calm, the decks and/or paddles are very stiff and strong, the rescuers are strong, and the victim's kayak has no significant gear load. In actual field conditions the kayaks may be carrying 100 to 200 pounds of gear, and lifting one over another becomes very difficult if not impossible even in calm weather. Imagine trying this in 40 knot winds and steep cresting waves. If you don't carry a pump or other bailing device these may be all that are left for you so it might be wise to learn them, but take care not to damage your kayaks while practicing. Always carry a pump and back it up with a container you can use to scoop water out of your cockpit if your pump fails. A three quart freezer container or wide mouthed poly bottle works well, and doubles as a lunch box.
   The use of a pump or bailing device along with some method of limiting the amount of water that can get into the kayak have proven much easier, and have replaced the "letter" rescues in those texts that have gone beyond simply restating old manuals. The limitation on these modern group rescues is seas rough enough (breaking seas) to make steadying a kayak while the victim reenters (or is helped to reenter) a dangerous undertaking because of kayaks crashing into each other and the victim.
One rescue often presented in old (and British Canoe Union influenced) texts and parroted in some new ones is known as the "All-in-Rescue". Three victims who have all been capsized by the same "event" help each other get into their kayaks one at a time. I consider this little more than a pool exercise with very little value in the real world. The biggest problem outside the pool is going to be how do these three capsize victims get together in the extreme conditions that capsized them in the first place to even start the rescue unless one can do a self rescue and then paddle to the others in turn. But why not have each work on his own self-rescue instead of waiting around (or swimming to get together which brings on hypothermia even faster). The first to regain the use of his kayak then paddles over help the others if still necessary.
   What happens if you find yourself alone, or with paddlers who don't know how to help, and you capsize? Here are the rescues that we consider the best. The first three are solo rescues that can be done in extreme conditions (at least by experts at performing them). The others are two person rescues which have the advantage of being quick and not requiring three kayaks to get together (or try to keep apart) in difficult wind and wave conditions. Each of them could have a potential advantage in certain situations. We suggest you practice them all.

• ESKIMO ROLL
• MARINER SELF RESCUE (Outrigger Paddle Float Rescue)
• RE-ENTER AND ESKIMO ROLL (and Paddle Float Roll)
• ESKIMO RESCUES
• ASSISTED RESCUES (Side Rescue & Laid Back Rescue)

THE ESKIMO ROLL
   Every serious kayaker should learn the Eskimo Roll. It is by far the quickest, most reliable method of rescue. With a stroke of the paddle and a flick of the hips the paddler is back upright and ready to paddle on. Its only disadvantage is that some find it difficult to learn. Many kayak clubs and dealers rent time in heated pools and teach Eskimo rolls on an informal or formal basis. Sea kayakers should take advantage of these classes. Since we know only a few who learned to roll from a book (usually with the aid of a face mask and snorkel) we suggest you take a class. We describe the procedures here only to pass along some tips that might be of benefit in the learning process, but this might also enable those with extraordinary desire and abilities to teach themselves the knack without benefit of instruction.
   A helper standing in about three feet of water can help right the kayak when you fail by twisting the kayak or lifting you by the arms. If the bottom is firm and your paddle is strong you can also pole yourself upright. Either way, you won't have to "wet exit", dump out the water, and get back in the kayak following each unsuccessful attempt. You must fit firmly in your cockpit (at least while learning). There should be good knee or thigh grips and the footbraces should be adjusted tighter than you would normally use. Most important, your hips must be firmly supported so there is little or no side to side motion. Unless your sea kayak is a relatively narrow one with a tight seat and good knee braces you may find it easier to learn to Eskimo roll in a slalom kayak (because they usually have a firmer fit and a lower back deck).
    If your sea kayak lacks knee or foot braces consider installing them. Wedges of closed cell foam contact cemented under the coaming rim can often make satisfactory knee grips. Nose plugs and goggles or a face mask make the time spent underwater more comfortable and make it easier to watch what you are doing. A float attached to one end of the paddle can make learning to roll easier. It might even help those in an area where instruction is not available to learn to roll on their own, if they are especially determined and well coordinated. The paddle float allows you to go through the procedure in slow motion, building neural pathways that will help guide the motions when the float is removed. It also allows you to hold an intermediate position and analyze what must happen next in order to make the roll as effortless as possible. By gradually decreasing the amount of flotation you might be able to work up to a roll using only the paddle. A board of Ethafoam™ (or some other similar closed cell foam such as a belly board often found at swimming pools) one to two inches thick works best. Cut it wider than your paddle blade (tapering the edges for streamlining) and securely hold it in place (tape it, strap it, or cut a pocket into it so it slips over the blade). CAUTION: The use of flotation makes it easy to get in the bad habit of "muscling up" so take care to right the KAYAK FIRST and removing your HEAD from the water LAST. Inflatable paddle floats (described later with self rescues) will also work but take care not to damage them on the pool sides. Also, unless the flotation has a relatively thin flat cross section it will seriously retard the sweep stage of the roll (which should be done very rapidly).

ESKIMO ROLLS
   We have found the Pawlata roll to be the easiest to learn as well as the most reliable, due to the increased leverage provided by the extended paddle. Once you have mastered the Pawlata you should progress beyond it to the closely related screw roll. The screw roll is quicker because it requires no change of hand position to set up. Also when you finish the screw roll you are prepared to immediately make a necessary brace without having to re-adjust your hand position. After one type of roll is mastered the rest are easier to learn, therefore attempt the easiest one first. There are numerous varieties beyond those described here. Some rolls start with the paddle blade to the rear and sweep forward. Some use a back and forth sculling motion and still others don’t use a paddle at all. You should attempt to learn several--it will help work out the roll that works best for you, the one you'll try first when it really counts. Before you attempt to roll you should practice bracing strokes until you can lower your ear in the water and right yourself again with a strong brace or by sculling. Because this brace is similar to the final part of the Eskimo roll the tips on finishing the roll apply here as well. Bracing is a good skill to practice for its own sake, but it also serves as a way to learn much of the Eskimo roll without the confusion of being upside down underwater. If you don't seem to be making progress don't continue to practice failure, but go back to the preliminary exercises that seems the most relevant.

SET UP: in position to begin the Pawlatta roll

Learning the Pawlata Roll
   Grip the back of the rear blade (as shown) with the knuckles to the outside. The other hand grips the shaft near the middle and palm down. I have found it easiest to teach if the student starts from the finishing position and then practices just the finishing parts first. The finish position is lying across the back deck while looking up at the ceiling (head back--maybe even resting on the deck) with the float end of the paddle in the water farther toward the stern than your head. Move the paddle more towards 90 degrees while you lower your head into the water on the paddle float side. Reverse the motion you just did and bring yourself back to the starting position. It is as though you wind up before taking a swing in baseball or golf. This way you practice the path you will be taking at the finish by winding up to get into position to start. As the finish becomes second nature move the wind-up farther and farther forward with each successful finish until you reach the starting position for this roll which is: Holding the paddle alongside the kayak parallel to the water surface while keeping both arms straight at the elbow. Both wrists are bent to keep the forward blade flat to the surface of the water. While leaning forward at the waist with your head almost touching the fore deck, check that your blade is at the surface and flat to it (by pushing it into the air and slapping it down on the water or by watching it if you are wearing a mask or goggles). The rear hand is held next to the kayak while the other wrist leads the limp wrist, hand and shaft in a sweep directly to the side. The sweep is accomplished by rotating your shoulders even further in the direction that your body is already twisted and at the same time lifting the forward arm from the shoulder. A very slight downward pull during the first 90 degrees of the sweep brings your body parallel to the surface and the kayak to about halfway upright (caution--a common error is to pull strongly down too soon). The biceps of your forward arm should be wiping across your face and sort of pushing your head back in an arc towards the finish position on the rear deck. Keep both arms straight at the elbow until the paddle has sliced out to around 90 degrees from the kayak. At this point in the continuing sweep pull strongly down with the forward arm while pushing up with the rear arm (still holding that elbow straight). At the same time bend sharply at the waist trying to touch your hip to your elbow in order to get the kayak upright before your head is clear of the water. It is often easier to think of this "hip flick" as a hard pull against the kneebrace with the knee on the side on which you are pulling the paddle blade (and float) down. You should end up with your back arched over the rear deck and looking up at the ceiling. Your paddle has gone through nearly a 180` sweep and the blade is now pointed well back of center. Done correctly this is effortless and requires only the sweep and not a hard lift. With a float on the paddle you can do this in slow motion so you have time to think about your next move in the sequence and groove in those neural pathways. Once you have that down so it is very easy try speeding up the motion (you will now definitely need a flat float) until you can do the roll very quickly. You will need to do the roll quicker when you take the float off the paddle so you can use the "lift" of your gliding paddle blade as your support instead of the float.

Hints:
   Many texts advise that you angle your paddle blade up to prevent it from diving. Many beginners overdo this. Angling it up to skim along the surface only causes it to stall, which slows down the sweep, resulting in the paddle blade being too deep in the water by the time it reaches the position where it is to be pulled powerfully down and in towards your hip. When the paddle stalls most learners also pull it downward much to soon. (The paddle should move to nearly perpendicular where one has a much better lever arm before strongly pulling it down.) Your blade should start out flat on the surface. The sweep must have the blade slicing horizontally, "gliding" in the water in a wide arc (as far from your body as you can stretch). A slight downward pull happens automatically as you sweep out and this keeps the level blade on a glide angle. This slight lift (and reaching way out with the sweeping blade in a relaxed stretch) rotates your body out to one side just below the surface into a position where it can be easily slid up onto the back deck after your knee pulls the kayak upright.
   When you begin the sweep if the blade slices rapidly but dives to the bottom you can try raising the leading edge slightly on the next try but more importantly check that you are not rotating the blade down during the early part of the sweep because your wrist is tense. Holding the wrist rigid often causes the paddle blade to dive. To prevent this practice leading with your forearm while hooking the paddle with only your fingers (so as not to twist the "gliding" paddle downward as your arm pivots). Keep your wrist limp so it acts like a rope that is pulling the paddle shaft and gliding the blade. Experiment until you find the angle where the blade slices the fastest but does not dive (done correctly the blade will be a foot or two underwater when you start to lever your body out of the water).
   Until you find the blade’s glide angle all attempts to complete a roll will fail and you may pick up several habits that might need to be laboriously broken before you will be able to succeed. Work at learning one part at a time but be careful that your practice is as close to the actual motion as possible. You don't want to be ingraining a habit that will cause you trouble later. For example, the hip motion to right the kayak before lifting the body out of the water is often taught by having one capsize and grab the pool edge, the instructors' hands, or a pool float. The support allows one to pull (with the hips) the kayak under oneself before the head is lifted out of the water. The problem is that if you use both hands you will lift your face out of the water last, but you really want to end this roll lying on the back deck and therefore should be practicing lifting the back of your head out of the water last. The latter can be practiced if you use only one hand on the support as you finish, but I prefer using a float on the paddle for support rather than your hands because it more closely mimics the actual motions and arm positions you need to learn.
   You want to come out of the water lying back because you will not need to lift your body as high to bring the kayak under it. Lying back also lowers your center of gravity making the kayak more stable which may result in a successful roll even though you didn't get yourself completely upright.
   Most learners try to muscle themselves up to the surface and try to get their head out of the water as soon as possible. That is exactly the opposite of what you must do. You need to be stretching and reaching out with your body and arms rather than pulling in towards your center with your muscles as those trying to muscle up do. Also, you must leave your head in the water (which will support most of its weight) as long as possible until you can slide it up on to the rear deck.

The Screw Roll and beyond
   A screw roll is virtually the same as the Pawlata. The only real difference is that in this one your hands never alter their normal grip on the paddle. One result is that set-up and recovery is quicker. For many experts the screw roll just another stroke and they often don't even have to get set to roll. They can begin one from whatever position they happen to find themselves. Once you master the Eskimo roll make sure you can do it with the equipment you will actually be using. When you get a new boat, paddle, PFD, drysuit or anything else that might affect your roll you should practice rolling with it. It's not enough to be a pool roller, you must also be capable of rolling the kayak as you would be paddling it. That is with a gear load, bag on the back deck, your life jacket on, etc. You need to be successful in whatever conditions (cold water, waves, turbulence, etc.) you may find yourself.

When you've practiced this enough you'll find you can slowly lean your body over until your ear is in the water, then slowly bring yourself back upright. If done quickly you can manage it all with a single sweep. Work on your bracing strokes and you may never have to resort to an Eskimo roll.

Consistent success in your practice pool in no way guarantees success under fire. For example, before I ever went down a river I had learned to screw roll with about a 99% success rate in a pool. My first four attempts to roll in the river failed (mostly due to the turbulence of the water--which is what capsized me--grabbing at the rear blade making it difficult to hold it in the set up position). By the next time I capsized I had also learned the Pawlata, which provided much better control over the rear blade (you grip it with your hand and hold it flat against the kayak side where the turbulence can’t pry it away). That started a long string of successful rolls under fire using the Pawlata. I have since compromised and use an extended paddle screw roll where my rear hand grips the shaft at the junction of the shaft and blade. This still gives good control of the blade in turbulence and allows me to easily feel the blade angle as with the Pawlata. It also provides more leverage than the screw roll. Once upright it still requires that I move my hand back into paddling position, however I don't have to remove that hand from the shaft to do so as with the Pawlata. The extended screw roll is a small intermediate step to take when starting to learn the screw roll after having mastered the Pawlata. I still use it when I absolutely have to make the roll and don’t want to take any chances with second best (for me anyway).

THE MARINER SELF RESCUE
(and other Outrigger and Paddle Float Rescues)
   The Mariner Self Rescue was developed for use with the Mariner Sea Kayak but it will work with most other sea kayaks as well with a few minor additions to the kayak or a slight modification of the technique. Several refinements have been made since we first presented it in our user's manual back in 1981. They are included here. This rescue basically consists of attaching a float device to one end of the paddle and then firmly attaching the other blade of the paddle to the back deck of the kayak. Attach it in such a way that the kayak is stabilized, the paddle is perpendicular to the kayak and it is kept from pivoting much either side to side or up and down. Attached in this way the outrigger provides stability for climbing back in and just as importantly during the pumping or bailing process that follows. This stability for the pumping or bailing stage is its biggest advantage over the Reenter and Roll or Paddle Float Roll rescues we describe later (it is also easier to learn and doesn’t require putting your head and nose back under the cold water). The main disadvantage of all outrigger paddle float rescues (including the Mariner Self Rescue) is that you need a way to fasten the paddle to the kayak prepared in advance. Now that this rescue is widely practiced, most U.S. manufacturers have developed (and include with the kayak) attachment methods suitable to their kayaks. If you have no way to fasten the paddle to the deck except by holding it, it can still work but it may be easier to re-enter the kayak and Eskimo roll (assuming you can), using the paddle float as an aid if you need it. If you use a method that doesn’t fasten the paddle to the kayak you are still going to be faced with a very difficult time. Imagine attempting to keep a kayak full of water on an even keel using one hand (and maybe shoulder) and sculling the paddle to stabilize the kayak while you attempt to bail or pump out the water with the other hand. If you use your paddle float to do a Re-enter and Roll (or an unfastened paddle float rescue) you can stabilize the kayak a little better by holding your paddle across the cockpit. Push down on the paddle shaft with your forearm as you lean slightly to the float side. This leaves that hand free to hold the pump and the other hand free to do the pumping. It is still a pain to get your spraydeck attached to prevent further water entry while holding the paddle for stability Pumping or bailing can take five or ten tiring minutes even in good conditions with a stabilized kayak. If your kayak isn’t set up to securely hold a paddle in an outrigger position just behind the cockpit I strongly recommend you rig it so it can.

The procedure for the Mariner Self Rescue is:

1. Capsize and "wet exit" while never losing your grip on the kayak and paddle. If your kayak blows away, leaving you far from shore in cold water, your only chance will be to quickly summon help with a VHF radio, cellular telephone, EPIRB, flares, distress flag, airhorn or other small signaling device. Of course, that will have to be kept on your person and not left in your rapidly disappearing kayak.
2. Move to the downwind side of the kayak. This will prevent the kayak drifting away from you and give your head and neck a little protection from the wind. Try to minimize the water scooped in by pushing the near side of the cockpit up and away from you when turning it upright. Make sure your kayak cannot get away from you. If you can't turn it over this way, crawl over the hull, grab the coaming, and pull it back toward you. This will scoop in more water to bail later so always try the push up method first.
3. Unclip or remove your float device from the convenient and secure location where you stored it. At this point you should make sure a tether line attached from the float to the kayak will prevent the float from getting away from you if you "butterfingers" it. I prefer 3/16" shock cord four to five feet long for this tether. It should have a clip to hold it to the kayak’s deck lines to prevent its loss.
4. Inflate the float about 90% full and attach it to the blade in such a way it can’t slip free. Inflating the float tightly, a strap, clip, buckle or even the stretched elastic tether to the kayak could all serve this float securing purpose. Also make sure your secure attachment is easy to undo once you are back in the kayak, pumped out and need to recover your paddle for its primary purpose. Note: Foam type floats do not require inflation but you need about a 1/4 cubic foot of flotation so they can be bulky to store in a kayak. It can be difficult to blow up an inflatable float while hyperventilating after a sudden plunge into icy water so consider a foam float or a wetsuit (or drysuit)--at least for under 60 degree Fahrenheit water conditions. If the water is very cold steps 3 and 4 may be able to be performed before righting the kayak so you can straddle it while it is still upside down. This traps more air in the kayak and allows you to get more of your body out of the water while you are inflating and fastening the float to the paddle.
5. Slip the paddle under your gear or gear lines (or attach it to your kayak however you've prearranged). This usually works best a little behind the cockpit. The paddle blade should rest flat across the back deck or extend beyond the far side of the kayak. If you are sliding the paddle blade under some decklines from one side, it often helps to tilt the kayak some to get the best angle. It usually works best with the blade tip--spooned side down-- just touching the deck so it can slide easily under the lines to the drip ring. Next lift the deck line over to the other side of the drip ring to help hold the paddle in place.
6. From a position next to the cockpit (in front of the paddle), grasp the near side of the cockpit rim with one hand and place your other hand on the paddle shaft near the kayak.
7. Swim your feet up to the surface and push yourself out to arm's length while maintaining your grip on the cockpit rim and paddle shaft.
8. Pull yourself back towards the kayak and hunch your shoulders and pull (and then push down) with your arms while scissor kicking your legs until you’ve slid yourself up to a position where your belly is lying on top of the paddle on the back deck. Take care that you don't go over the deck so far as to unbalance the kayak to the unsupported side. As you pull yourself towards the kayak, take care that you aren't pulling the paddle out from under the deck lines. A drip ring on the paddle will help prevent this if you put it inside the nearest cord (the cord that is holding the shaft down). Alternatively, you could slide the paddle farther under the lines until the blade extends beyond the hull and then turn it 1/4 turn to "key" it in place so it can’t be pulled back out until "unkeyed" by rotating it flat again.
9. While still belly down on the back deck, place your nearest foot in the cockpit leaving your hand on the paddle shaft so that some of your weight is always supported by the float (to insure you are not in danger of flipping over to the unsupported side).
10. Place the other foot in the cockpit and turn to face toward the float. Switch hands while always keeping some of your weight on the paddle shaft.
11. Twist your lower body around while sliding farther into the cockpit so you end up sitting in the seat. With my size twelve feet, I have successfully tested this "screw yourself into the cockpit" entry method with kayaks having cockpits as small as 19" by 15".
12. Keep leaning towards the float side while you pump or bail out the excess water. If necessary fasten your spray deck in place to prevent more water from entering while you pump out the water. A hand pump can be slipped into pumping position between your belly and the sprayskirt if necessary.
13. Put on additional clothing if you are cold, and it is available, while you are still stabilized by the outrigger float.
14. Remove the paddle from its attachment (make sure this is easy to do with your type of attachment). With a gear line or shock cord attachment lift the cord to the other side of the drip ring--or "unkey" the blade to free it--and then rock the kayak just enough to get your weight balanced over the kayak rather than on the float. Next, rock the kayak slightly and pull the paddle straight out from under the lines. Some floats can even be left in place on the paddle for short paddling distances giving the capsize victim a solid brace on that side while regaining whatever confidence they can muster.

Hints and Alternatives:
   Try to keep your body lying against the back deck until twisting to sit in the kayak. This keeps your windage and center of gravity low so the wind and the waves won't affect you much.
If you can’t lift yourself up in a few attempts and you have started with your feet on the surface as we advise, try putting your foot up on the paddle shaft to help.
   Be careful not to put most of your weight on the middle of the paddle shaft (especially directly over the joint of a two-piece paddle). Weaker, ultralight and unlaminated wood shafts of paddles have been broken in this way. There is no need to put much pressure on the paddle shaft to do this rescue but I mention this here because getting your leg or knee up on to the paddle shaft and trying to lift yourself out of the water with it is the most likely time a weak paddle might break.
   In wind or waves, if you can’t get into the kayak from the downwind side, pivot the kayak around and try it from the upwind side. Be careful that the kayak does not get away from you because it might blow away faster than you can swim. In waves "time" your entry when the kayak is in the trough of a wave and you are on a wave.
   Kayaks with especially high and/or peaked back decks often require other methods. With these try crawling up from the back of the kayak and then pivoting around on your belly using the outrigger paddle shaft to keep your legs up.
   Another method for a high kayak requires a short loop of webbing or rope (maybe the stern painter) hung from the cockpit rim or paddle shaft to provide a step next to the kayak. The step (bottom of the loop) should be 6 to 10 inches underwater. If your leg swings under the kayak when you step in the loop the loop is too long. A simple overhand knot can shorten it. Your shin should press against the kayak as you step up. The step allows a weakened or heavy paddler to use his or her leg strength to help them up on a kayak with a higher deck. If you hang this step from the paddle you should use a strong paddle and make sure the step is right next to the kayak to minimize the chances of breaking your paddle.
   Don't try to pump or bail the kayak from the water. It would be disheartening to spend many minutes of hard pumping or bailing only to swamp the kayak again as you try to re-enter. Also your goal should be to get as much of your body out of the cold water as quickly as possible to prevent hypothermia. The exception would be if your kayak has so little buoyancy (heaven forbid) that your weight will cause it to sink when you climb into it. In this case you are in extreme danger and must carefully remove much of the water that has entered (without letting one end of your kayak sink) and then climb back in without taking on too much more water. If you are in this no flotation situation and there are other paddlers around, get out of the water by climbing on their kayaks decks while yours is being pumped. If you are alone, before you start pumping you should shoot off a flare or attempt to make your predicament known by VHF radio, cell-phone or other locating signal. If you wait too long to signal for help a rescue could come too late. Next add whatever flotation you can, such as emptying your water containers or moving small gear bags to where they will be the most effective. Pump or bail.
   If your kayak has no flotation at all, or flotation in only one end, my tests in a calm pool indicate that you may get one chance to do a very careful Mariner Self Rescue. My tests indicate that "adequate flotation" is often a lot more than one might think would be necessary. If you succeed in getting back in your kayak without it sinking, seal your spray deck immediately and pump out through the front of the waist hole.
   Lost your paddle? This wouldn't happen if you had it tied to the kayak in front of the cockpit with three or four feet of shock cord. The rescue works fine with the paddle leash still in place--just slide the shock cord end tied to your paddle along the shaft towards the kayak until it is out of your way). If your paddle is lost, use your spare paddle to perform the rescue. No spare? You’re kidding! What would you paddle with if you did get back upright? If you're lucky there will be other paddlers around that aren't having as much difficulty as you are and they can retrieve your paddle, loan you a spare, or loan you theirs for the rescue (or perform an assisted rescue) and then tow you to safety.
   Don't base your planning and rescues on the presence of other paddlers you hope will be able to help you. They may be having as much trouble as you!
   When I first invented this rescue back in 1981 I looked around for a way to support the outrigger and because it was handy took off my PFD and used it for a paddle float. (Note: while it happens to be handy using a PFD  is only a method of last resort because removing your PFD means your head keeps going under the waves while you are trying to fasten it to the paddle.) For the first few years after developing and promoting this rescue we used a 2.5 gallon folding water container with cords and hooks we had pre-attached to fasten it to the paddle shaft. A water jug is not quite as simple or easy to use as the envelope style floats (described next), but is cheap and effective (with a little practice) and can do double duty as a water container. The folding water jug could be also be used partially filled with water to serve as a counterbalance to tipping the kayak to the opposite side of the float (if one has not been careful to keep leaned towards the floats side until disassembling the outrigger). I still use jugs rigged for self rescue for my water containers on multi-day trips giving me a  a back-up or two to my primary envelope style rescue float.
   There are now many kinds of paddle float devices, most designed with this or very similar rescues in mind. The floats I like best are the inflated envelope that fits over the paddle blade. They hold the paddle nearly level and can have a lot of buoyancy while still being compact for storage. They inflate by mouth in about 30 seconds. The air pressure usually holds them firmly in place on the paddle blade, but the best also have alternative methods for securing them to the paddle. I carry an envelope style device of my own design, the Mariner Rescue Float Plus, which has two air chambers. Each chamber has enough flotation to easily perform this rescue should the other chamber become punctured.
    Removing your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is not a good idea, but if you have no other paddle float or substitute available (such as a small waterproof gear or camera bag) it may be all you have left to get yourself out of the cold water. If a PFD can be tied to the paddle blade in such a way that it won't slip off (or slide up the shaft) it could be used as a last resort. The waist strap or side straps on the life-jacket or (with Mariner kayaks) the rear towline on the kayak could be used to secure it to the paddle blade. It should be emphasized that this is a lot harder than fastening a paddle float so won't work in as difficult conditions.
   Note: The Mariner Self Rescue has sometimes been erroneously referred to as the Paddle-wing. The Paddle-wing is a different (but also an outrigger) rescue that does not use a float. It is a difficult rescue to execute even in calm water and was never publicized widely. I first heard about it after sending out descriptions of our Mariner Self Rescue to paddlers all over America. Unfortunately the confusion over the name has sometimes lead to criticism of the Mariner Self Rescue (as we named it originally--or Outrigger Paddle Float Rescue for those who prefer a more descriptive or generic name) due to problems unique to the paddle-wing. This is especially so in texts written in England. The Mariner Self Rescue has been shown to work in extreme conditions (by those who have practiced it in those conditions). Don't expect a paddle float rescue to succeed unless you have practiced in similar conditions. A paddle float is not a magic charm that protects you automatically, you must practice. It is well worth the effort necessary to set up your kayak to use it. It took many years but it has become the primary self-rescue practiced in America and while it has developed many dialects and variations over the years I haven’t seen a method that is superior to the one just described. I have however, seen many classes, books, videos and national paddling organizations that displayed far inferior variations with major areas of vulnerability not addressed.
Do not use shock cord to hold the paddle in place unless it is very husky or you double it at each end (where the paddle blade first slips under). Shock cord does not hold a paddle in the outrigger position as firmly as does rope or webbing (in whatever kind of attachment you use). [Note: while far less common, too firm an attachment to the kayak may increase the risk of breaking a weak paddle shaft.]
   Some kayaks with high back decks (and sufficiently large cockpits) might benefit by attaching the paddle in front of the cockpit and then straddling the cockpit (like riding a horse) and dropping butt first into it. This position is more vulnerable but then high back decks can be harder to climb onto to use the other method. If you find that you can not get up on the back deck because it is just too high, try crawling forward over the kayak from the stern. First you will need to set up the outrigger to stabilize the kayak. Alternatively, fasten a loop of rope or webbing around the paddle shaft right next to the kayak to make a step that hangs no more than one foot under water.
   If the paddle is held in place by hand and not attached to the deck we call it a Paddle Float Rescue (as opposed to an Outrigger Paddle Float Rescue in which the paddle is firmly attached to the kayak). A Paddle Float Rescue will often work but doesn't provide nearly the stability of the fastened outrigger. Keeping the paddle under control side to side as well as stabilized can also be a problem especially in rough weather. However, the major disadvantage of not having the paddle fastened to the kayak comes after you have re-entered the swamped cockpit and need to get it pumped out but at the same time all that "free" water is making the kayak very unstable.
   You should still practice the Paddle Float Rescue for use in surf where a fixed outrigger could cause a capsize or damage to the kayak or paddle (and it is unlikely you will be pumping out the kayak anyway--instead just paddling and bracing--for shore). Learning the unattached Paddle Float Rescue could also be of value if you find yourself bailing out of a kayak lacking a way to attach the paddle to the deck.

REENTER AND ESKIMO ROLL
(And the Paddle Float Roll)
   If you capsize and for some reason fail to Eskimo roll (lost your paddle, gotten tangled up with something, or for some other circumstance) you may want to get back into your kayak and try rolling again. However if you failed the first time due to a reason that will still be a factor the next, don't waste time, energy, and body heat in further attempts with small odds of success. Get started on another rescue. If you have a paddle float you can fasten it to the end of the paddle and use it to gain leverage to roll back up. The easiest way I've found is to place your paddle blade across your upturned hull, climb into the cockpit, and pull up with both hands on the paddle shaft between the kayak and float. This is almost identical to the Eskimo Side Rescue described next except in the Side Rescue the rescuer's kayak takes the place of the float. If you plan to reenter and roll, by whatever method, DO NOT right your kayak just yet. Leave the kayak upside down so most of the water will be held out by the air trapped in the kayak.
   On re-entering your kayak your bodies volume will displace much of the water that came in when you removed yourself from the kayak. You may be able to paddle off immediately if the amount of water you have in the kayak is only an inch or two deep. Even with a kayak nearly full of water you should always check to make sure you are not near a dangerous location. If so carefully paddle the now tippier kayak to a safer place before beginning to bail or pump.

ESKIMO RESCUES
   Two types of Eskimo rescues are described in many texts. The Eskimo Bow Rescue involves the capsized paddler remaining in his boat and reaching above the water to pound his hands against the hull to attract attention. Then he waves his arms back and forth alongside his kayak feeling for the bow of his partners kayak to use to pull himself back upright. The partner must be very quick and precise to maneuver the bow into position in time. As you may have guessed unless this happens very quickly the modern capsize victim will give up waiting and wet exit. Since the expert will try to roll until he runs out of air and the novice will most likely bail out before the kayak has had a chance to get completely upside down this is not a rescue likely to be used. Far more useful is the Eskimo Side Rescue, used after re-entering the upside down kayak. The Eskimo Side Rescue can be used in the same manner as the bow rescue and in most cases would be a little faster and also has the advantage of allowing the rescuer to aid in lifting a weak or tired victim. However, since the victim is most likely to already be in the water I'll describe the Re-enter and Eskimo Side Rescue. As with the Re-enter and Roll do not right the overturned kayak. The rescue boat pulls up on the side of the victim's kayak opposite from the victim. (Actually the victim can reenter from either side, but make sure the kayaks are held apart so as not to pinch the victims head if it's between them.) The rescuer lays his paddle across both his deck and the upturned hull forming a bridge. The victim lifts his legs up into his overturned kayak, seating himself firmly in it by bracing with his knees. He then reaches his hands into the air and the rescuer grabs the victims nearest wrist and places the attached hand on the paddle shaft "bridge" between the kayaks. The victim lifts himself up with both hands by pulling down on the paddle shaft. The victim needs to be careful not to bump his head on the rescuers kayak as he comes up between the boats. The rescuer helps lift the victim upright if necessary. If the victim begins entering the cockpit from a position between the kayaks he can probably reenter the kayak with his face always out of water by holding on to the paddle bridge and tilting the cockpit towards him as he re-enters it. This is good because it can be very difficult to persuade a frightened victim to put his head back under water.
The paddle bridge stabilizes the rescuer as well so he can lean on the paddle and exert quite a lift in order to help the victim to the upright position. Once upright the rescuer and victim can both pump (if each has a pump) or take turns pumping rapidly while stabilizing the kayaks for each other.
  The Eskimo Side Rescue is easier and more stable for the rescuer than the simple Assisted Rescues that follows, but it may be harder for an unpracticed victim to understand what they are to do, especially if they are going to have to put their head back under water.

THE SIDE RESCUE
   Pull up alongside the victims kayak. The rescuer grasps the cockpit of the victim's craft (once it has been righted, hopefully by a method described already that minimized water entry) and holds it down against the leverage of the victim pulling his body up across the back deck. At this point the rescuer must be ready to lift up on the coaming as well as push down if the victim overbalances, tipping his kayak toward the rescuer. The victim should move slowly and deliberately since this is a weak point of this rescue. A technique to improve stability is for the rescuer to bridge the kayaks with one or both paddles just behind the cockpits of both kayaks (if facing the same way) or across the rescuers cockpit and behind the victims cockpit. The rescuer reaches his closest arm under the paddles from behind and grips the victim's cockpit with both hands and leans his weight over the paddles towards the victims kayak. This paddle bridge allows the rescuer to securely lean over the "bridge" to hold down or pull up to counterbalance the victims effect on his kayak without fear of capsizing. Instruct the victim to use the paddles as well as the cockpit rim as hand-holds so as to not put too much torque on the kayak. The victim should get his feet on the surface before pulling and swimming up onto his kayaks back deck as in the Mariner Self Rescue. If the victim has any trouble getting up on the back deck the rescuer can grasp the top of his britches with his forward hand and help him aboard.
   Once on the back deck the victim can enter the cockpit like in the Mariner Self Rescue or one of its variations. Again try to keep the center of gravity low and move deliberately. The victim should also reach across to the rescuers kayak with one hand to form another bridge between the kayaks and thus prevent himself from overturning towards the rescuers kayak or falling between them. Once back in the kayaks both paddlers can help pump. Some lightly loaded kayaks may be able to be quickly emptied by the rescuer lifting the bow while the victim pushes down on the stern and twists the kayak some to break the suction at the cockpit. Alternately, the victim could grasp the bow of the rescuers kayak and pull down against its buoyancy to help lift the bow of his kayak to empty it. If you have a third paddler they could be pushing down the stern of the victims kayak to help raise the bow. If both paddlers are in the water one could lift the bow while using one end of the other kayak for support. The other paddler in the water grasps the opposite ends of the kayaks and does the same until both are emptied. If your kayak(s) can do this it could save a lot of pumping later but it is unlikely you will be able to succeed with a full gear load.

THE LAID BACK RESCUE
  In this rescue the victim starts between the two kayaks (therefore not a rescue for surf) facing his kayaks bow. He lays one arm over his kayak just behind the cockpit and his other arm reaches over the rescuers kayak preferably in front of the rescuer (which ever way the kayaks are facing) so the rescuer can anticipate what is needed to help. Next the victim lays back and throws one leg over each kayak. Pressing down with all four limbs he lifts his hips clear of the water. He swings his butt over his cockpit (and if it is big enough to get his feet in later) drops it in. With a small cockpit he would have to get both legs in the cockpit first before sliding down into it feet first. The rescuer bridges the kayaks with the paddles and helps hold the kayaks together and stabilize them during this process.

Conclusion
  In years of flatwater paddling and sea cruising on the Pacific Coast we have never accidentally capsized (playing in the surf and practicing new techniques we don’t classify as accidental), but that doesn't mean it won't happen. We go prepared. If you are an accomplished Eskimo roller these other rescues should still be learned, and practiced, as a back-up to your roll and so you can help someone who has failed to roll. You should always have back-ups in place anytime safety is involved. Back up all these rescues by carrying a VHF Radio, cell phone, EPIRB, flares, smoke signals, signal mirror, water dye, orange streamer, horn, whistle and/ or other locating devices that can make you appear bigger, brighter, louder or different. You should try to carry these signaling devices on your person because, if you somehow lose contact with your kayak, attracting attention may be the only viable option you have left.

Ó copyright 1983 & 1999

by Matt Broze
Mariner Kayaks

For those who arrived at this page from another website's link, several other Mariner Kayaks owner's manuals are at www.marinerkayaks.com (open the "manuals" menu).