Are you confused about how to get out of a kayak with bad knees? Getting out of a kayak isn’t an easy task. Especially when there are waves, or you have to roll out from the kayak into the water, it’s not the most pleasant experience ever. Add bad knees to the equation, and it gets harder. Without your knees’ support, getting off a kayak may pose a massive challenge. So, today, I have prepared this article to know how to exit a kayak with knee problems for all kayakers, especially those who are suffering from knee problems. Keep reading as I discuss the whole bad knee situation with kayaking below.
Bad Knees and Why It’s a Problem for Kayaking
Whether you are overweight, an older person, an athlete, or just a regular middle-aged guy, knee problems can occur to anyone for various reasons. However, your bad knees can prevent you from living a healthy and mobile lifestyle by restricting your movement in every sector.
Outdoor adventures, especially the ones like kayaking, are one of those sectors. As getting in and kayak exit for seniors creates a lot of pressure on your leg and tension through your knees, it might be difficult and harmful to go kayaking with faulty knees. However, you can avoid the risk by using proper techniques to get on and off the kayak.
Kayaking Opens a New Door for People With Knee Problems
If your knees are not as functional as they are used to, it can affect every aspect of your life. Bad knees can make any task challenging for you, not to mention any adventurous activity. Until now, you might be wondering whether I can kayak with knee problems. Here I have the good news for you with the proper technique.
Unlike other adventure activities, kayaking doesn’t rely on your knees except when you hop on and off the kayak. For a person with knee problems, physical outdoor activities get pretty limited. In that instance, kayaking after knee replacement is entirely possible. It can open new doors for them to go out on the water and enjoy the fun with friends and family.
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Step by Step Guide: How to Get Out of a Kayak With Bad Knees
Getting on and off a kayak might seem like a simple task, and it is simple. However, when you are dealing with knee problems, things tend to change for you. Therefore, you must keep a few things in mind before stepping on a kayak, especially when you exit it.
Otherwise, any wrong movement can have a devastating effect on your knees. As a result, you might have to stop kayaking forever. But you don’t have to worry about that as I have brought you the perfect guide to getting out of a kayak with knee problems.
The guide will be a bit detailed because preparing to leave a kayak with knee problems starts way before you might think. So, without wasting any time, let’s begin.
- Step 1: You might not have thought this far, but the preparation for kayaking with a bad knee starts with picking the right kayak. With knee problems, getting a SOT kayak is always recommended as it’s convenient to get on and off-board. Moreover, nothing is restricting your legs and knees, allowing free movement.
- Step 2: Even if you have taken all the necessary precautions, consult your doctor about your kayaking plans. They might provide you with some essential advice and encouragement to go on this journey.
- Step 3: Assuming you have completed your kayaking session with knee problems, it’s time to get off the kayak safely. The best place to exit a kayak is in the shallow water, regardless of your knee condition. So, get there after you finish kayaking.
- Step 4: After reaching the shallow water, check the depth using the paddle. Make sure you are within a range of less than a foot. Then, swing your feet out from the kayak. Your foot still shouldn’t touch the ground, and you should be seated.
- Step 5: You must push yourself up from the kayak using your hands and holding the kayak’s sides. Instead of the sides, you can also place the paddle paralleled 90 degrees on the kayak and use that for support while pulling yourself out.
The kayak can wobble while pulling out, and your feet haven’t touched the ground. If you have friends, tell them to hold the kayak until you get out safely.
Must Read: Best Kayak for Crabbing.
Tips for the kayaker with knee problems
In this section, let’s discuss some stuff that kayakers with knee problems should consider carefully. Following the tips below will make the experience of kayaking with arthritis in the knees safer, more convenient, and enjoyable for people with knee problems.
- Wearing a knee brace should be your first priority. Considering you have bad knees, it’s safety you should always use regardless of what you are doing. In addition, it can minimize the pressure on your joints so that you feel comfortable moving around with these on.
- It’s essential to get stretched and warmed up before any physical activity. When you are about to go kayaking with a knee problem, it’s even more important to prepare your body and improve focus and flexibility. Some exercises for getting in and out of the kayak will significantly help.
- When you are affected by knee problems, it’s not just about getting in and out. Don’t forget to take care of your knee positioning and posture from getting into the moment you get out. This way, getting out will be much easier for you, and you’ll feel relieved.
- With knee problems, your learning experience can get limited. You cannot rely on yourself to learn kayaking as your knees don’t function properly. In that case, taking private and expert lessons for kayaking is the best way to learn with specialist advice safely.
- Lastly, you should get the right equipment to make your kayaking experience comfortable. There is stuff like padding around the cockpit, an adjustable seat, and a footrest that you can install in your kayak. These small investments will make a big difference in your comfortability.
Final Thought
That’s a wrap for today. I hope you understand how to get out of a kayak with bad knees. I have clarified that no matter your knees, you can always enjoy the fun and excitement of kayaking. For knee pain kayaking, all you have to do is follow the fitting instructions and safety rules, and you’ll be good to hit the water. Even the first few times will be challenging, but with practice, you’ll quickly get a hold of it over time.
