Heel Hook  Preparation Emptying Out  Key Points  Variations  Practice

Key Points

• Swimmer: prior to re-entry, float on your back next to your kayak, lying feet forward and looking forward.
• Swimmer: hook your toe or heel under the coaming with your outside leg. 

                     Hook your outside leg under the coaming                                     

• Rescuer: fully support and stabilise the swimmer's kayak and maintain a firm hold from start to finish. It is easiest if the kayaks are bow to stern.

• Swimmer: 'think long' when getting in and keep a low centre of gravity when rolling onto the back deck and sliding into the kayak. 
• Rescuer: stay actively committed until the rescued paddler is ready to resume paddling. Keep a check on them for some time afterwards, to ensure they are OK.