By Paul Lebowitz

Sit-on-top fishing kayaks are not bucking broncos, ever-threatening to toss their riders overboard. Far from it, they are stable, forgiving craft. Forget that tippy stereotype; it applies to the long, rail-thin sit-inside sea kayaks that are more worn than ridden.

Climbing back on. Even so, it’s important to know how get on top of the situation if an unexpected wake catches you leaning the wrong way and flings you into the drink. Safety expert Jim Sammons of La Jolla Kayak Fishing explains:

The easiest self-rescue technique for sit-on-top kayakers is the BBF, shorthand for Belly, Butt, Feet.

First, flip your kayak right side up if necessary. Position yourself on the upwind side of the kayak towards the front of the cockpit. Get ready by placing one hand on each side of the cockpit, taking care to keep your elbows high. Now, taking your time and performing each step in sequence:

1. Belly: Kick vigorously while using your arms to guide or pull the kayak beneath your upper body. Continue to kick until you are lying across the kayak on your belly.

2. Butt: With your head held low, roll your hips into your seat. At the same time, pivot your head towards the center of the kayak. Next, slowly raise your head. When you complete this move you will be sitting sidesaddle in the cockpit.  

3. Feet: The only remaining step is to swing your forward foot to other side of the kayak and follow with your other leg. Pick up your paddle and go on your way.

Lost paddle? Don’t fret. Fishing sit-on-tops have a lot in common with surfboards. Make like Kelly Slater powering out to the lineup and arm paddle. Lie flat on your belly with your head at the front of the cockpit. It might not be the most comfortable way to travel, but it beats hoping the wind will blow you back to shore.

That sinking feeling. It’s extremely rare, but from time to time a kayak hull floods. Maybe you forgot to screw in the drain plug, or a wind wave poured down an open hatch. Then the rarely used kayak pump becomes your best friend. Sold at paddle shops and some sporting goods stores, don’t venture far from shore without one of these hand pumps.

PFDs. Trouble strikes when we least expect it. If your Personal Flotation Device is strapped down in the tank well or stowed under the hatch, it won’t do you any good.
Complaints that PFDs are too uncomfortable to wear don’t hold water. Look for vests designed specifically for kayaking. Some even have mesh paneling for ventilation. Alternatively, consider a low profile inflatable PFD such as one produced by SOSpenders. In California, kids 11 and younger are required to wear a PFD while on the water.

Common sense. Trust your intuition. If conditions are ugly, go fishing another day. Develop your paddle skills; they’ll keep you safe and help you catch fish. Shortcut the learning curve by taking a kayak fishing seminar or guided trip. If none are available in your area, take a paddle skills class at a local paddle shop. Or read the instruction manual that came with your kayak, or any of a number of excellent sea kayaking how-to guides. In the meantime, get out there and practice.

STABLE, STABLE, STABLE - Fishing kayaks are forgiving, comfortable craft. Sit side-saddle, turn around to face backwards, shimmy up to the front hatch, or even perch on the nose – as long as you keep your head over the boat it should stay upright.

IF YOU FALL OFF, BELLY UP TO THE BOAT – For safety’s sake, it’s important to know how to climb back on. First, right the kayak, position yourself to the upwind side, and kick vigorously while pulling the boat beneath your belly.

FROM BELLY TO BUTT TO FEET – Complete the process of climbing back on by rolling your hips into the seat and pivoting your head towards the center of the kayak. Once you’re sitting side-saddle, all that’s left is swinging your feet into the boat.

NO PADDLE, NO PROBLEM – If your paddle pulls a disappearing act, get going surfer-style. Lie flat on the deck and arm paddle. Beats swimming back to the beach.