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How To: Swim with Your Paddle if You Fall Out of an Inflatable Kayak

By Mild to Wild   •   August 8, 2012

8-year-old Charlie demonstrates how to hold and swim with your paddle if you fall out of your inflatable kayak while enjoying some Lower Animas Rafting (or any other river!).



1. Place your hands on your paddle shoulder width apart.
2. Alternate putting the blades into the water, just as you would while kayaking.
3. Kick while you’re paddling – this method uses the paddle to your advantage as opposed to dragging it behind you as you try to swim.
4. Once you reach your kayak, climb back in and enjoy more paddling time on the river!

See HOW TO: Get Back Into an Inflatable Kayak for further instruction.

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