How to Get Out of a Kayak with Bad Knees

If you wish to take up kayaking yet suffer from excess strain on your knees doing any activity. There is little reason not to carry on.

Even if you suffer from stiff or even weak joints, it can be challenging, yet there are ways of getting in and getting out of a kayak.

You could feel it isn’t worth the effort, yet you will miss out on lots of experiences and venturing into the great outdoors.

Besides, once in your kayak, you’ll be getting a good workout to stay in shape you wouldn’t get doing other sports with bad knees.

There are some straightforward things and techniques you can follow, which will make your kayaking journey more enjoyable.

Once you go through our guide, you can learn all the techniques you need.

You will see how keeping away from boat traffic makes your kayak ride smoother and how you can approach the shore side, and without struggling. You will find, all it takes is the same effort you would how to get out of a chair with bad knees at home. (Read Kayaking With Toddlers)

No kayaker should miss a golden opportunity to take a few careful steps to enjoy their hobby. Once you know the technique, you’ll find the tricks easy to follow, and other kayakers may be unaware you have knee issues.

Kayaking with Bad Knees Rules

When you are heading off kayaking, you need to be wary of a few things that can make your exploration easy or a struggle. When you have knee problems, here are a few things to think about before heading off kayaking.

Pick the Right Kayak

You may wish to use a sit-inside kayak with a cockpit; however, you’ll find these a challenge for entry and exit methods, especially if your knees are bad and stiff. Choosing the right kind of kayak is as important as carrying out low-impact kayaking until the problem eases.

Pick the Right Kayaking Gear

You may already have kayaking gear, yet it could be the wrong type for your condition. Make sure you have the right size paddle, and your seat can support your back. In other situations, you could counteract the impact of this, yet your needs could feel worse for using the wrong gear.

A good footrest and using knee pads will alleviate some pressure from your weakened or sore knees.

A knee pad for stiff knees won’t be much of a thing when you are using a sit-on-top kayak. Once you are out, try raising your legs, and be sure to keep them elevated. (Find the Best Kayak Holder for Cars)

Stretch

Before you hit the water, you need to do a few exercises before kayaking. Stretches are ideal and can help ease pressure on your knees. Staying limber and supple can be half the battle against bad knees.

The lower half of your body and legs are often motionless for most of the time whilst kayaking. (Read Vibe Sea Ghost 110 Review)

Pick Your Kayaking Area

Before you work out your entry and exit methods, you need to know these can vary depending on the area of the water you will be. Low-impact kayaking can help since your knees won’t bang.

Also, lakes and large ponds can be the best as you have areas of calm shallow water to get in and out of your kayak as you can control yourself with the shore bottom. (Find the Best Knee Braces)

How You Get into a Kayak with Stiff Knees?

It may appear counterproductive, yet before exiting the kayak with knee pain, learn how to get into a kayak.

Here are two ways you can get into a kayak when your knee is stiff. (Learn How To Treat A Blister)

Method 1

Find your launch spot for kayak entry in shallow water just below your knees.
Move to the port or starboard side of your kayak. Stand a few inches in front of your seat.
Step over your yak, so you now straddle it.
Both feet will be on both sides of the kayak.
Place your hands to both sides of the hull and steady it if there’s no one to hold it.
Push against your kayak to help maintain balance.
Start to lower your weight to the kayak seat.
Use your arms and lift your legs onto your kayak one at a time.
Once both legs are onboard, you can push away from the shore with your paddle.

Method 2

Push your kayak to knee-deep shallow water. If you have a helper, leave a quarter on the hull on the shore.
Step besides your kayak.
Make sure your back faces the port or starboard side.
With your helper holding your kayak or using a hand for balance. Lower yourself as if you were sitting in a chair at home.
Once you sit in your seat, swing your legs one at a time into the kayak.
Push off the shore using your paddle and have fun.

Get Out of a Kayak with Bad Knees

It could be easier to get in your kayak, yet here are two ways people used to get out of kayaks when kayaking with bad knees.

Exiting a Kayak 1

Paddle to shallow water in your kayak and as close to the shore as possible. The water needs to be around 2-feet deep.
On a sandy shore, paddle until the kayak’s bow reaches the shoreline for more stability since your yak is on dry land.
Swing one leg from the side of the kayak and place your foot on the ground. Repeat for the other side.
Grab the side of your kayak with both hands, and push yourself up to help relieve the pressure on your knees.

Exiting a Kayak 2

Paddle where you know there is shallow water no deeper than waist-high.
Before carrying on, check your life jacket is secure.
Roll your body out of your kayak and into the water.
Once out of your kayak, stand up in the water.
The water will help ease pressure as you stand. You can also use your paddle shaft for more support.
Finally, push your kayak to shore.

All the above assume you are using a sit-on-top kayak. You can find too much stress on your joints with a sit-in.