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Adding kayak re-entry stirrups

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When you end up in the water, re-enter your yak by pulling your torso across the kayak in front of your seat, then roll to get your butt where it belongs. We’ll show the technique in an upcoming ­column. Meanwhile, it takes some strength to pull yourself across the kayak while kicking, and stirrups on a strap attached to the yak can help use leg power. They’re easy and inexpensive to make.
When you end up in the water, re-enter your yak by pulling your torso across the kayak in front of your seat, then roll to get your butt where it belongs. We’ll show the technique in an upcoming ­column. Meanwhile, it takes some strength to pull yourself across the kayak while kicking, and stirrups on a strap attached to the yak can help use leg power. They’re easy and inexpensive to make.
You’ll need 10 to 12 feet of 1 1/2-inch nylon strap, four 1 1/2-inch buckles and two 12-inch pieces of 1/2-inch tube. A needle and some 30-pound-test braided fishing line helps get the strap through the tube. Scissors and a lighter (to melt the cut ends of the strap) are the only tools needed.
You’ll need 10 to 12 feet of 1 1/2-inch nylon strap, four 1 1/2-inch buckles and two 12-inch pieces of 1/2-inch tube. A needle and some 30-pound-test braided fishing line helps get the strap through the tube. Scissors and a lighter (to melt the cut ends of the strap) are the only tools needed.
Start by putting all four buckles on the middle of the strap before running the strap through the tubes.
Start by putting all four buckles on the middle of the strap before running the strap through the tubes.
Fold the end of the strap lengthwise twice and, with at least 30-pound-test superbraid, sew it together to fit ­inside the tube.
Fold the end of the strap lengthwise twice and, with at least 30-pound-test superbraid, sew it together to fit ­inside the tube.
Drop the needle through the tube and pull the strap through. It’s not easy; avoid line cuts on your hands. Tying the braided line to a kitchen chair and pulling the tube to pass the strap through worked for me. Position the tube and buckle the loop closed, making sure you can slide in your foot while wearing wader boots. Adjust the buckles to hold the stirrups so you can slip a foot in each one to boost you across your kayak — but not clear over the other side.
Drop the needle through the tube and pull the strap through. It’s not easy; avoid line cuts on your hands. Tying the braided line to a kitchen chair and pulling the tube to pass the strap through worked for me. Position the tube and buckle the loop closed, making sure you can slide in your foot while wearing wader boots. Adjust the buckles to hold the stirrups so you can slip a foot in each one to boost you across your kayak — but not clear over the other side.
I tied the one I made to the rail on my Hobie. Other options include attaching it to your seat or onto a knob installed in a track. A vinyl bag with a drawstring keeps hooks from snagging the strap.
I tied the one I made to the rail on my Hobie. Other options include attaching it to your seat or onto a knob installed in a track. A vinyl bag with a drawstring keeps hooks from snagging the strap.

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