Cowboy Re-entry This self-rescue looks like a trick, but it's fast and can be effective even in rough water once you've mastered it. More than most recoveries, the Cowboy rescue requires good balance, good bracing skills, and a flexible body. At the bow of the kayak, support yourself with a scissor kick and lift/flip the kayak, righting it and emptying out most of the water. Now, work your way toward the rear deck, kick your legs on the surface and haul yourself up, pulling the deck under your midsection so that your weight is evenly divided on both sides of the boat. With your paddle in your hands for bracing as needed, swing your leg over the stern so that both legs are dangling in the water and you are facing the bow. Slowly advance toward the cockpit, using your dangling legs for stability and bracing as needed. Don't let your spray skirt get caught under you as you go. Come forward until your butt is over the cockpit and drop into the seat with legs still dangling. Lean and brace (scull) to one side while you bring the leg on the brace side into the cockpit and get it firmly placed on the foot peg. That leg maneuver is where you need the flexibility (and where many fail). With the first leg in place, follow with the second. With (lots of) practice, this self-rescue can be done in less than a minute! What if you can't get that leg inside the cockpit? This recovery is still useful in tight places where others can't easily get to you. Simply plunk that butt into the cockpit and paddle out of danger with legs dangling. A better self rescue, or an assisted one, can be completed in calmer waters.
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