This is exactly how I do it. What paddle do you have? Specifically what material is the shaft made from?
Thanks for your advice - specifically about the ferrule - this was my major concern. I also suspect I am using the exact Ainsworth paddle you mention as there are several in use at my club that are the same as what I use.
I have a very old Current Design Feather and a much newer Nimbus Kiska , both are two piece (with ferrule) and have a fiberglass shaft and blade.
I donāt always use my paddle as an outrigger/third point of contact, depends on the launch point, waves, wind. Most of the time, I get one leg out, and then stand up to get out, opposite to get in.
So now is a good time to ask. Iām looking at the post and at the picture of the alleged paddler sitting way away from the kayak. {the you tube NRS picture}
It appears as tho his intent is to sit on the paddle .
Now for the question.
Why would anyone sit this far from a kayak to get in? It appears that he could just as easily sit on the back deckā¦or stretch out his left leg {as tho he is getting into a car seat} and then plop his butt into the seatā¦then bring his right leg in.
Please educate and enlighten. Also, with the technique, how dose one ever launch into surf?
I always carry a second paddle under my deck lines (as do most of my touring kayak buddies). I
highly value my two favorite light high performing Greenland style paddles, a carbon fiber and a custom made laminated cedar, and would never subject them to the kind of abuse you illustrate.
One reason I carry a backup paddle is safety and being assured of having a means of propulsion if I or a companion loses their primary paddle.
Another reason is that my backup paddle is always a different style of paddle which can be useful to switch off to if conditions change.
My usual backup is either a standard blade Werner fiberglass shaft two-piece paddle or a short (72") solid wood Greenland storm paddle.
If I have to use a paddle to pry my boat off rocks, use it to balance during weight transfer off a dock, paddle in a rock garden, loan to a companion who has lost or damaged their own blade or any other situation that might risk damage to one of my best paddles, I pull out the ābeaterā and use that.
Youāve got a great ābeaterā already, now treat yourself to a quality lightweight paddle and let the hefty Ainsworth live under your bow deck lines until and as needed.
Try Itiwitt X500 from Decathlon.
Carbon shift, plastic blades, 2 piece.
Iāve been using one for two months and itās lightweight and efficient in the water.