ThePADDLER 20
Using a kit bag for the job , the more weight in it , the easier the re-entry will be . First , the canoe is flipped upright , and then the kit bag is pulled back to the canoe ( it was on a leash ). It is then karabinered to the preprepared cord on the central thwart ( two photos above ).
Working around to the opposite side , you can now clamber in across the side airbag ( above right ). The kit bag is left attached and in the water to aid stability during some very quick bailing ( below ). It is often said
that the most effective bailer is a frightened person with a bucket : I saw that in action partway into the first canoe crossing of the Irish Sea and will vouch for its truth .
Failing to carry a sufficiently heavy kit bag , I have an empty dry bag in the front of my canoe , which I fill with water as the counterweight . I don ’ t want to rely on the plastic clip , so two loops of the cord are fastened through close to the clips ( top photo ). Use a heavy-duty bag for this as I have seen light ones rip and