Drape yourself over your partner's boat, stabilize it, and offer a hand back aboard. That's just a loop of line around your cockpit rim that the swimmer uses as a step up out of the water. In the middle of all this, remember to secure the floating paddle. Attending one of the national hands-on symposiums could be the next best thing. Most symposiums provide hands-on instruction and lectures by nationally and internationally recognized teachers, many of whom are the legends who created the sport.
Manufacturers also provide the latest kayaks and equipment to try out.
It's like a school and a trade show combined. Attending is a virtual who's who of national and international kayakers, instructors, and writers. This event focuses on teaching basic, intermediate, and advanced kayaking skills for adults and children. Participants may test boats from approximately 40 exhibitors. Lodging for the event can be found at nearby hotels on and off the beach as well as the scenic James Island County Park campground, which hosts the symposium.