Tight’s All Right
June 25th, 2007 | 
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Tight a$ you can get it
Tight a$ got it made
Uptight’s alright but if ya can’t stand the heat
You better get back in the shade
-lennon
CD asked yesterday about dealing with an ocean cockpit. Congrats on the new Nordkapp by the way! Yeah, in the beginning an ocean cockpit can seem a bit strange. Certainly the keyhole was designed by people frustrated with that little hole! But an ocean cockpit has it’s advantages too. What stands out to me of course is the connection you have with your kayak since there not that big air space above your knees. I think you’ll also find that you get a lot less water in the boat when you flip it. Now, how do I deal with getting in and out of it? Well, the first thing is of course that you have to sit on the back deck and slide into it. (at least I do). Which means often it’s just easier to set the boat on the beach, get in, then seal launch into the surf. This is why I have a strip on mine. Yeah, I know that’s not always possible and some of you don’t like scratches on you boats. Well the next choice of course is taking the kayak out into a few inches of water, sitting on the back deck, using your paddle to brace the boat and then slide in feet first. In time, I’ve learned to do this in open calm water much like a paddle float rescue but without the float. I just use the GP. (traditional paddle). It’s something you need to practice. Of course in deep water, the easiest way in, is just to do a reentry and roll. I have video of that on my site. The ocean cockpit will reduce the amount of water as it is, but if you can attach your skirt before rolling up all the better.
When I land, I usually just lean back then slide myself onto the back deck again before I reach the beach, but I can do it quickly too once I hit the sand. Just remember to get out on the side away from the beach so you don’t get a kayak in the ankles when you try to stand up.
When on the water I really love the ocean cockpits, but there is no way around it. . they are a bit more work now and again. 
Oh, and by the way speaking of ocean cockpits we’ve still got an NDK greenlander for sale. $1100. . .
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As a guy thats 6′4″, mostly legs, I alway get to slide in from the back deck in a few inches of water. I put one leg in and, using my Greenland paddle as a outrigger, quickly slide the other down and plop down in the seat. And yes, I have been unceremoniously dumped before and plan on it again. I also know a young college student who may need a NDK Greenlander……
Thanks so much, Derrick. I really appreciate your post for today being about the OC. Although we have never met, I trust your judgement on subjects such as this. Why? because I have seen all the roll sessions and Anas Acuta pics all winter in that pool in WI, and anyone dedicated enough to log all those hours has it all over me when it comes to experience. and thanks for stevie and daveo for their input also. I am going to go out again tomorrow night and bring the GP and go easy (sometimes going not so easy and just getting it done, like your post from earlier mentions, so I’ll do it fast enough) should work. I will try the techniques you suggest. Then I get the fun of outfitting this cockpit.
By the way, Puddlejumper (Brant) from Bloomington, IL got to spend some time with you at the Geneva Kayak Symposium in Chicago last month and said you were a fabulous instructor. And I’m not just blowing smoke because you helped me with the OC entry and exit, either. Puddlejumper is brand new to kayaking as of this past springtime, and that was his first course. He apparently hit a couple of rolls up there, but came down here on Clinton Lake and we scored several each this past weekend. I am amazed at the progress he’s made in only about four months. Anyhow, he got some good info from you.
Thanks a million, Derrick. Really helpful. CD1
PS Great re-entry and roll vid! In the OC, no less. Now listening to Husker Du, Could You Be The One, on iPod and checking out some of your other roll vids. Makes more sense and can appreciate the subtle moves now.