Entering and exiting the kayak will undoubtedly be the hardest part of trying to kayak with bad knees. With that being said, there is no perfect way to get in or out of a kayak if you have bad knees and it’s all about finding a technique that is perfect for you. I have compiled a few techniques I would like to suggest to make sure entering and exiting the kayak is as painless as possible.
Technique
Before moving on, I would like to recommend that you ONLY USE SIT ON TOP KAYAKS if you have trouble with your knees. The sit on top kayaks are easier to get into and out of, plus they do not constrict the movement of your legs while kayaking. I will touch on every possible reason you should own a sit on top kayak later.
Entering the kayak:
Option #1
- Push the kayak out into shallow water, or if you find it easier; leave about one fourth of the hull onto the bank as long as you have someone to help you push your kayak into the water when you are ready to take off.
- Stand next to the kayak with your back facing either the port or starboard side (left or right)
- Have your partner hold the kayak steady while sit down onto the side of the kayak.
- Use your arms to push against the top of the kayak while you lower yourself down to help maintain balance.
- After your hands are firmly planted on the kayak, wiggle yourself back to your seat if you haven’t already. While doing this, use your arms to lift each leg into the kayak one at a time.
- After you are fully situated, have your buddy push you off the bank and into the water.
Option #2
- Place the kayak in shallow water, but make sure approximately one fourth of the hull remains on the bank.
- Straddle the kayak by throwing one leg over it.
With both feet planted in the water, have someone hold the kayak stable if you can and perform a controlled fall backwards into the seat. - As you fall backwards you can bring one leg up into the kayak if you choose and lift the other, or you could wait until your bottom is planted and lift both legs into the kayak.
- After both of your legs are resting in the vessel, push your hands down against the kayak and wiggle your bottom into the seat and get comfortable.
- Have a friend push you the rest of the way off the bank and into the water.
NOTE: If you are going kayaking alone or your buddy is unable to push your kayak off the bank while you are sitting in it; these two techniques can be performed with the entire kayak in the water.
Exiting the kayak:
The tricky part comes when exiting the kayak. This is the time where you will be putting the most pressure on your knees. Here are a few things you can try.
Option #1
- Paddle your kayak close to the shore, where the water is about a foot or two deep.
- Throw your legs over the side of the kayak and simply stand up, this may cause the kayak to become a little wobbly so having a buddy hold it steady will be helpful.
Option #2
- An alternative to the method above is running your kayak as far up onto the bank as you can when returning. To do this, you should pick up as much speed as possible before hitting land. (Don’t worry too much about damaging your kayak as they are made to take a little bit of a beating)
- Your kayak will be more stable now that the majority of the hull is planted on dry land. If you are alone or your partner can not help you out of your kayak, this option may be better for you.
- Lift your legs over the side of the kayak and plant them on the ground
- Plant your hands on the top of the kayak and stand up. If it is easier for you, have your friend stand in front of you, extending their arm so you have something to pull on.
Option #3
The final exit option may be the less desired, but if you are determined to kayak and just can’t get your knees to cooperate, this option is for you.
- Get into a safe area with shallow water and simply roll off into the water. Be sure to wear a life vest, even if you are a strong swimmer!
- Once in the water, just stand up and push your kayak into the bank.
Buy the Right Kayak for You
If this is your first time kayaking, be aware that there is a very real possibility that you may fall in love. If you are a returning kayaker after experiencing an injury, you are already aware of just how addicting kayaking is. Choosing the right kayak for you will make or break your trip, rather you are kayaking with an injury or not.
Kayaks come in all shapes and sizes for all different body styles. You cannot go wrong with a sit on top kayak when you have bad knees. They are by far the easiest kayaks to enter and exit, they also tend to be more stable. Also, kayaks that force you to sit in them will demand that you bend your knees, and in some cases keep your knees bent after entering.
You may also want to avoid pedal drive kayaks, as they require you to pedal them.
You may not like it, but investing in a reputable kayak brand will always be the best option. This means your wallet may take a hit, but it is definitely worth it. Cheap kayaks from from big box stores like Wal-mart and Dick’s Sporting Goods are cheaply made and for a couple more dollars you can have yourself a nice kayak. The cheap kayaks like Sundolphin are very uncomfortable and cause strain on the back and hips.
Ask around or do a quick Google search to find a quality kayak dealer near you and make a trip to them. Discuss your specific circumstances with the clerk or owner of the shop and they should be able to help you find the right kayak that best fits your personal needs. Most kayak dealers offer demo days where you can try out many different kayaks, be sure to ask about them.
Quick Tip: Don’t forget to ask about upcoming demo days that your local kayak dealer has!
Invest in good equipment
Since we are on the topic of spending money, you can also never go wrong with good equipment. There are tons of options out there to choose from when it comes to being comfortable on the kayak.
Buying a quality seat (Amazon.com) is well worth the price tag, you may also want a backrest. If you are already suffering from pain in your hips, then you most definitely want to avoid causing pain in other areas as well.
A good paddle can also lower the strain on your arms and upper back. Cheap paddles tend to be just cheap pieces of plastic connected by a rod, while more expensive paddles come with grooves for better dynamics and are made of more quality materials. While your paddle is not as important as purchasing the right kayak or seat, you may still want to look into it. Here is a basic, inexpensive paddle that I recommend (Amazon).
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Consult your doctor
It should go without saying that you should always consult your doctor before trying new things or returning to your favorite hobbies after an injury. Your doctor understands your exact circumstances when it comes to your health and medical history and should be able to provide you with solid advice. Even though you may not like what your physician has to say, you want to follow his or her advice precisely to ensure that injury to your knees remains as unlikely as possible.
I also want to point out that I am an avid kayaker and not a doctor. I can only offer techniques and helpful advice when it comes to kayaking, not your health.
Extra steps to take
Don’t over do it
The best advice I can give you is worth nothing if you push yourself farther than you can handle. No one knows how much another person can take, so be mindful of how you feel before, during, and especially after your adventure.
Take private lessons
If you are really unsure about your ability to kayak with bad knees, you should consider taking private lessons. Your instructor can help you figure out the easiest way to enter and exit the kayak that best suits you. They will also make sure that you know the proper paddle technique and touch on other important aspects of kayaking as well.
Don’t be embarrassed
It’s easy to become embarrassed when you can’t do some things as easily as the others around you. Remember that you’re kayaking because that is what you want to do and you’re not letting anything stop you from doing what you want to do. You weren’t going to let bad knees stop you from kayaking, so why should embarrassment? Do what you what makes you happy, that is what life is all about!
Stretch
Try stretching before, during, and after your kayaking journey. If you don’t have extreme difficulty getting in and out of the kayak, you can exit the kayak every so often and stretch a little. The joints found in the lower body will remain stationary for the majority of the time during your adventure, so getting out and moving and stretching your joints should help prevent them from becoming stiff.
Low impact kayaking
Lastly, low impact kayaking is always the way to go for the easiest experience. Find a flat water pond or lake in your area with minimal boat traffic and go out and relax. You do not have to conquer roaring rivers to get the most out of kayaking.