Note: If your kayak has Bungees for Self Rescues and not Straps, you may not be able to use a Safety Stirrup for a Self Rescue. Because of the downward pressure on the paddle, the kayak will tend to roll as the Bungees are elastic and do not give the support that Straps give. We strongly suggest that you replace the Paddle Float Bungees with Straps.

• Safety Stirrups are used to help the kayaker who is unable to get back into their kayak on their own. Safety Stirrups enable the kayaker to step back into their kayak and can also be used for “Assisted Rescues”.



• When you first buy a Stirrup you need to adjust it to your height. To do this you have to get in the water and practice (this is a sneaky way of getting you to practice).


• Adjust the Stirrup so that your knee is bent at no more than a 140 degree angle.


The set up for a Safety Stirrup is identical to the Self Rescue and you still use a Paddle Float. Do the following:


• Have the closest deck paddle strap loose, having the clips connected (same set up as for a Self Rescue). You place the Stirrup around the cowling of the cockpit. By having the closest strap loose, you will be able to roll the kayak slightly towards yourself, making it easier to install the Stirrup.
  


• If the Stirrup comes with a neoprene cuff, make sure that it is lying against the kayak deck and not in the water. The Stirrup webbing is made to sink and if the cuff is in the water the webbing will not sink.
  


• Tighten all straps for the paddle and paddle float.
  


• Place your foot that is closest to the rear/stern of the kayak into the stirrup (only the one foot).
  


• With both hands, hold onto the cockpit cowling that is farthest away from you. (Do not use the paddle to help, until you are on the kayak deck, and then hold onto the paddle shaft for stability).
  


• Slowly step up using the aid of the Stirrup and at the same time slowly pull up using the cockpit cowling until you are able to get yourself onto the back deck of the kayak. Remember you must stay LOW and proceed SLOWLY.


The rest of the rescue is the same as a Self Rescue.
Note: Just before you are ready to continue paddling, remove the Stirrup, fold it and secure it under a deck bungee. It can be dangerous to have any loose cords etc. that can get tangled around the kayaker or their gear.