K1

There really is only one way to safely getting into a K1 from the pontoon without falling in or damaging the boat: Firstly make sure you face the boat in the direction you want to set off. Make sure your paddle is set down close to you so you can easily reach it and make sure it is the right way around so that you don’t have to turn it around when in the boat. Hold onto the bank with one hand and the front of the cockpit coaming with the other (or portage bar if your boat has one). Step into the centre of the boat with one foot a then the other and sit down, still holding on with both hands. Once you are comfortably sitting in the centre of your seat, grab hold of your paddle with one hand and gently push away from the bank.

There is a nice video demonstrating the method here (not sure who the strange paddler is): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFPlQ-XbZsE&t=10s

Getting out is really the reverse of getting in. Place your paddle onto the bank. Some people find it harder to stand up and get out of a K1. I find the easiest method is to hold onto the bank with one hand, bring both feet as close to the seat as possible and then hold onto the front of the cockpit with the other (as above) . This will make standing up much easier. Kneel or stand on the bank with one foot and then the other. Don’t forget to hold onto your boat!. If you’re still having trouble, some core and leg exercises (e.g. body weight squats) may help!

Another video showing this method is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ergli10AcyQ&t=27s

A common mistake is to hold on to the edge of the cockpit which destabilizes you and can actually damage the boat.

Sea kayak

Unlike a K1, there are several ways of getting into and out of a sea kayak. It is possible to use the K1 technique described above. This can be useful if there is quite a drop down to the boat from the bank. If the water level isn’t too much lower than the bank/pontoon, then it is often easier to put one hand on the bank and the other at the centre and back of the cockpit coaming, rather than the front. You can then step in, sit down and slide your legs into the boat. Getting out is the reverse.

In the sea where there is no bank, you have a variety of options. You can get into the boat on the beach (easy) and then use your hands to push yourself into the sea, timing it with waves (hard!). Alternatively, if it’s fairly calm, you can straddle the back deck and pull yourself up over the cockpit, sitting down into the seat before bringing your legs in. Other, more advanced methods are available.