Re-enter & Pump Assisted Recovery
A kayaker should have a number of recovery methods to choose from in their bag of skills. I feel the most basic assisted recovery is the re-enter and pump. It is simple and very time efficient when it comes to shorter immersion time for the paddler in the water. The only requirement is a pump.
There are a number of assisted recoveries that have the assisting kayaker drain the water from the kayak before the paddler in the water re-enters their kayak. Draining the water before re-entry does get the water out more quickly however, it keeps the paddler in the water longer. In very rough conditions trying to drain a kayak can be difficult and opens the assisting kayaker to a potential capsize while trying to drain the kayak. The re-enter and pump recovery provides reliable support for both kayakers.
The re-enter and pump can also be performed with any type of paddle craft. A single can assist a double or a double can assist a single. It doesn't matter if a kayak is full off gear or not. As long as the overturned kayak can be righted the assisting paddler can hold it for the recovery.
This recovery begins by turning the overturned kayak upright. This can be done by the paddler in the water, by the assisting kayaker or they can work together. It is not very difficult to roll a kayak upright especially when two paddlers work together.
When you perform an assisted re-enter and pump recovery, your job as the one assisting is stabilizing the kayak so the paddler in the water has a stable platform to climb on to their kayak and get back into their cockpit. In this series of photos we will see the paddler re-enter their kayak over their back deck. There are many different re-entry methods one can choose from when their kayak is being held by a partner.
I prefer the bow to stern stabilizing position when holding a kayak. I believe the assisting paddler has more options when they support the other kayak in this manner. The biggest advantage is being able to see the paddler as they re-enter. This method of holding also keeps the assister's arms out of the cockpit so the cockpit is not blocked.
When I hold the kayak for my partner I can also direct them into their cockpit and give feedback as needed. I want my partner to know their kayak is stable and I will not let them go over while they are going through the re-entry process and getting themselves back together before we continue on our journey.
I am not only their for the physical support I am also there for emotional support. It is very common for a capsized paddler to be anxious after their capsize.
Once the paddler is back into their cockpit and their clothing is straightened out the pumping can begin. I am a firm believer of everyone carrying their own pump and paddle float. Aside from having extra pumps as a back up in case of a loss or malfunction, extra pumps also means faster pumping times if two or more are pumping at once.
Another benefit of pumping is the heat that is generated by those pumping. If the paddler in the water was getting chilled pumping out water can help increase their body heat.
If the flooded kayak has bulkheads pumping time is not very long. If their are no bulkheads the pumping time will increase depending on the presence and the size of the internal float bags. If their are no float bags and no bulkheads you run the risk of your kayak sinking. If it doesn't sink it will take a lot of pumping time to get the water out.
As always, the paddler who is providing the support does not let go of the other kayak until the partner tells them it is OK. Don't assume they are ready because they may counting on the support and a simple look over the shoulder could result in another capsize. Specific and clear communication is important.
The re-enter and pump assisted recovery is a no frills, highly reliable recovery method. The assisting kayaker uses the capsized kayak as a support as they hold the kayak as a support for the paddler in the water. In rough conditions the support provided to both paddlers is very comforting.
I especially like this method because I can use it on any kayak regardless of the size of the kayak or how much gear is in it or how much water is in it. I also know I will not be straining myself trying to lift a kayak in order to drain it.
This method also gets the paddler out of the water in the quickest amount of time. Therefore, if the capsized paddler is not dressed for immersion this should be your recovery of choice. Even if you do not have a pump just getting the paddler out of the water may be life saving. In a pinch you can empty water out of the kayak by using the "On the water kayak repair" method to drain water. At least it keeps the other paddler out of the water if they are not properly dressed. I will not go into my thoughts right now about paddling with someone who is ill prepared.
As with any recovery method I encourage you to practice it before you need actually need it.
Pictures seen above were taken from the USK Video "Capsize Recoveries & Rescue Procedures"
© Copyright USK
