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. . .