If you do not have the upper-body strength or dexterity to manage this method, especially in deep water away from the shore, then bring self-rescue equipment with you: 1. A paddle float attaches to the paddle blade. This is a self-rescue item usually used by kayakers but I have used it with my canoe when capsized in deep cold water. It works quite well and acts as an outrigger to keep your canoe from tipping over while you climb in. Google "paddle float" 2. In addition to the paddle float, you can use a carabiner to attach a short rope ladder to a thwart so you have something to step on in order to lift yourself up. As with any new skill, especially emergency skills, study and practice so you are ready when the unexpected happens.

Great video. The other variable is the kit you need to carry, which both takes space, and assuming air-tight, adds flotation

Maybe the outside air bag could help lift the boater out of the water - like an air ladder.

Soo... what if you have small airbags, but they go above the gunnels?

As a novice to the canoe this video is very useful and also inspires thought about how weight impacts this.

Genius! Now almost 70 and although I used to just flip the canoe overhead the traditional way, this will make lifting a canoe overhead much easier for me. My back and my muscles thank you for sharing!

just bought my first canoe its definitely a fixer upper. do i absolutely have to have those air bags or is it just in case i go over board and the whole thing doesn't sink to the bottom

I'm a day sailor and keep 10 foot painters loose in the bottom at both ends in case I have to swim after she tries to breeze off. A 10 foot advantage and couple of wraps about my foot for a step up might help me fix my bailer.

Me too! ❤ I've always grabbed the rails at either end, but grabbing the seat and using it as a head rest might prove to be my next evolutionary moment.

More like, watch me cave to a lame soundtrack.

Thank you. I have to do it in my canoe.

hi, what size and brand of rope do you recommend to use as painter? would the 3/8" Pelican Rope NFPA Polypropylene on Amazon a good choice? thanks!

Hello, Sorry to go completely off topic of the video but what knee pads are you wearing?

This just changed my life! Thank you sir!😁👍

I have a rather long question, the native Americans here used ceder canoes here in southern oregon , around Agnes, where the illious river meets the Rouge. my question is, giving the nature of these rivers, would it be foolish to try and head up one with an aluminum 15 foot canoe? I have no experience with canoeing and native Americans where extreme people.

wondering why you mount at the front rather than the back? when I take a swim, I make my way to the back of the boat, to avoid putting myself between canoe and a potential obstruction. appreciate your thoughts. thanks for sharing, atb

Thank you for the video. I just bought a canoe. Very useful information.

It would have been interesting to see how the blocks compared to 32" air bags.

Is there a certain type of string o use? What about flat leather lacing? Would that work?

Interesting idea, and one could use other materials for the lashing if wanted.

I am currently in the process of outfitting my boat and love this setup. This is my first time outfitting a canoe. I like the clean profile of this. In your opinion, when I need a painter, would there be an issue with me just pulling the needed amount from the bag and somehow attaching it to the grab loop? Maybe clove hitch it?

The length of a mic windscreen is slightly larger than the mic. JK Adam, great info as I'm prepping for a trip!

If you were going to be doing this over distance, say crossing a lake, would you have the towed boat secured to the windward or leeward side of your boat?

this technique is more effective at using momentum to help lift the boat but also engages more leg muscles to lift

Air bags seem to be getting bigger and bigger to the point you can no longer call them by open boats.

Great idea thanks for the videos, which end do you normally put the throw line on? Bowor stern? Thanks

Nice work. I am far too lazy to do that but it is nice. You have the canoe on edge so you obviously know what you are doing ;)

Most lightweight kevlar canoes can be flipped right up to your shoulders at the yoke. I would only use the technique you demonstrated with a heavy canoe.

Thanks for this, I'm looking forward to packing the whitewater canoe video!

Can anyone tell me how much and where you can stow gear in the event you want to use airbags in a whitewater canoe, for a several day trip? Talking about food, tent bedding, stove.....

Excellent! Thank you Adam!

Brilliant video.. I open canoe and sail.. I have psychological/ physical conditions.. So its so very important for me to be safe out there.. Im constantly assisting the environments Both on and off the waters.. If the conditions ( weather) aren't right. I'm not going onto the waters. When on the waters im always looking for a ( emergency) exit point(s) I practice the - Slow steady and surly Constant risk assessments.. Doing professional courses/ awards Eg..... British canoeing ( I've been told to do my open canoe leader award) RYA - level 1&2 ( again been advised to take the RYA leader award. Knowledge Knowledge Knowledge Practice Practice Practice Safety Safety Safety Fun Fun Fun

Really good, thank you Adam. It reminds me of a skiing example I read about (not my sport). A leader takes a group of leadership trainees off on their trip, stops at the top of a snow platform, really dodgy. Asks if the group are happy with where he has taken them; to a man they are really uncomfortable with it. "Why did you follow me then?"

hope you boys check for redds before you launch at this time of year

Tempted to adopt that full time so my swimline can be used as a spare throw line as well (currently rethreaded so not ideal as a throw line)

A much better solution to using your belay sling as a swim line. Keep your belay sling in your PFD.

I appreciate you 'hating' carrying kit that only does one job but, if it's your own canoe pinned mid-river and you want to set up a belay on the bank to rescue it, your sling is not much use to you attached to the pinned boat. I carry ALL my rescue kit on my person for that very reason. Food for thought?

who can tell me what those seat pads are for on the red boat?

Comparing turning abilitys of both configurations should be with the same task/manouver. Showing the bad left turn with the boat in tow while paddling forward with j-strokes compared to sweep-strokes/bow-draws while standing still with the boat attached to the side. I get the point of the comparison but the task was "turning away from the towed boat while moving forward". Thx for the ideas and testing.

Great video thanks

Great video thanks.

Good demo of the old adage, “some is better than none, and some is good but more is better”. Practically, foam blocks are far better for long term and low maintenance - they stay in the boat( almost a permanent part of the hull) and never get punctured like leaky air bags..the hassle of taking bags out-deflating then putting them back in for the next use…no thanks. A leaky air bag is less buoyant than a good old dependable float block..you can kick ‘em, you can stab ‘em, you can leave it in the boat while you drive @ 120/ km per to or from to paddle, you can stand or sit on them, you can burn them, hot, cold , frozen, windy, brand new or 30 years old…like a good friend…they’re there keeping your mis-guided canoe dreams afloat! Just one person’s opinion-

your just learning.

No Thanks..... the front two loops no longer tight by twisting the plyers against their faces

I use the same technique for lifting, but I work from the bow then walk backwards to meet the yoke.

Work smarter , not harder . That old saying applies here. Thank you .

Just found your channel and really enjoying the information. Your map case bag you have looks perfect for what I need what make/model is that please.

"Budgie smugglers is an Aussie term for your tight undies 🤪

This. Is. BRILLIANT.

Nice work you deserve a proper solo paddle thou...