What’s the best way to approach the pontoon/bank so that you land like a pro?
We need to be able to come alongside the pontoon or bank so that we’ve stopped completely and are close enough to be able to step out. With our racing kayaks, it’s easy to come in at too shallow an angle and too fast, you’ll then have to use your hands to grab the bank and risk getting blisters/grazes etc. To execute a good landing, one technique is to come in at an angle of about 45 degrees and brace on the side away from the bank just before you get there. This will simultaneously bring the boat to a halt and turn it so you’re next to the bank.
This start of this video shows the technique at a portage (not expecting you to do it that fast!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRmkAZaBBc0