Rescues & Recovery

Req 6 — Capsize Recovery Skills

6.
Using a properly equipped kayak with an open cockpit, a sit-on-top, or an inflatable kayak, do the following:

This requirement is all about what happens when kayaking stops going perfectly. You will practice five rescue and recovery skills:

These skills are not “extra credit.” They are the difference between panic and a plan.

Requirement 6a

6a.
Safely capsize and perform a wet exit.

The first time a kayak flips can feel startling, even in controlled practice. That is why the wet exit is so important. It teaches you that being upside down does not mean being trapped forever. With the right setup and calm steps, you can get out cleanly.

A safe wet exit starts before the capsize. You should know where your body contacts the boat, how to stay calm for a moment underwater, and how to push yourself free. Once out, keep hold of yourself first, then stay oriented to the kayak and paddle.

Wet Exit Sequence

Simple actions to practice in order
  • Take a breath before the capsize practice begins.
  • Stay calm for a moment when upside down.
  • Release any spray skirt if one is being used and trained with.
  • Push yourself out cleanly using your hands and legs.
  • Surface, orient, and account for the boat and paddle.
Four-panel instructional sequence showing a kayaker practicing a wet exit from capsize to resurfacing beside the boat.

Requirement 6b

6b.
Reenter the kayak with assistance from a buddy boat.

An assisted reentry shows why group paddling matters. Your buddy’s kayak adds stability while you climb back in. The key ideas are communication, staying with the boat, and doing the steps smoothly rather than rushing.

The paddler in the rescue position stabilizes the swimmer’s kayak. The swimmer follows directions, gets positioned correctly, and climbs back in as efficiently as possible. Once reentered, the paddler re-centers weight, regains balance, and gets ready to continue or head in.

Requirement 6c

6c.
Demonstrate a kayak-over-kayak rescue.

The kayak-over-kayak rescue is a classic assisted rescue. One kayak supports the flooded kayak while the rescuers empty water and stabilize it for reentry. The goal is to make the swamped boat lighter and more usable again.

This rescue works because a kayak full of water is much harder to control. Removing that water changes everything. It is part technique, part teamwork, and part body positioning. Small mistakes matter, so this is a perfect skill to practice slowly and repeatedly.

Requirement 6d

6d.
Demonstrate the HELP position.

HELP stands for Heat Escape Lessening Posture. It is used in cold water to reduce heat loss while waiting for rescue. The idea is to draw your body into a position that protects the areas where heat escapes fastest.

Even if your life jacket keeps you afloat, cold water can still drain body heat fast. That is why the HELP position matters. It buys time.

HELP Position Basics

What the position is trying to do
  • Keep your knees up toward your chest if possible.
  • Use your arms to stay compact.
  • Keep movement limited unless you need to reach safety.
  • Rely on the life jacket to support you while you conserve heat.
Cold Water Safety — National Center for Cold Water Safety Learn why cold water immersion is dangerous and how posture and preparation affect survival.

Requirement 6e

6e.
Capsize the kayak, swim it and the paddle to shore, and empty water from the kayak with assistance if needed.

Sometimes the best rescue is not a fancy on-water reentry. Sometimes the best choice is to swim the boat to shore, maintain control of the gear, and solve the problem on land. That is especially true when the paddler is tired, conditions are worsening, or reentry is not working.

This skill teaches good judgment. The objective is not to prove you can do the hardest rescue every time. The objective is to get yourself and the boat to safety.

Priorities During Shore Recovery

  1. Stay with the kayak if it is safe to do so.
  2. Keep track of the paddle.
  3. Move toward the nearest safe landing rather than the original plan.
  4. Empty water efficiently once the kayak is secure.
  5. Reassess whether to continue or end the trip.
American Canoe Association — Cold Water and Rescue Safety Review rescue-focused paddlesports safety guidance and why controlled practice matters.
Kayaking | How to Self-Rescue || REI — REI

If Req 3 taught you why safety gear matters, this requirement teaches you what that gear and training are for. Next you will shift from rescue skills to the strokes that make solo paddling controlled and efficient.