Eskimo Rescue is a technique used by a capsized paddler to right the boat with the
assistance of another paddler. There are two methods of Eskimo Rescue, bow presentation
and paddle presentation (there are other less unorthodox methods such a stern presentation/arm
presentation etc that will be touched upon later).
The Eskimo Rescue is part of the BCU 2 star award. Candidates will be assessed on their
ability to rescue a capsized paddler and their ability to right themselves using the Eskimo
Rescue.
The animation to the right illustrates the bow presentation method of Eskimo Rescue, illustrating
the importance of the 'hip flick' to right the boat (note the paddlers head is the last thing to exit
the water!).
Righting a Capsie Using Eskimo Rescue
Bow Presentation
The following is a guide on what the 'victim' or capsized paddler should do for the Eskimo Rescue,
bow presentation technique.
Take a breath!
Capsize the kayak.
Try to retain the paddle by holding it parallel along the size of the boat.
Tuck your head forward and reach both hands, either side of the boat skyward so they pop out of the water.
Bang the bottom of the boat 3 times to get the attention of fellow paddlers and to indicate that you are okay.
With the palms of your hands facing away from the boat, slowly slide your hands back and forth along the length of the boat.
When one of your hands contacts the bow of the rescuers boat, grab it with that hand.
Bring the other hand across and hold the bow, using it for support.
Slowly bring your head to the surface BUT not out and up, by pulling down on the rescuers boat.
Take a quick breath, keeping your head low to the surface near the rescuers bow.
Using your hips, rotate your kayak so it is no longer capsized - try not to lift your head as this will require more effort!
When the boat is righted, push your body and head upward until you are completely upright.
Thank your rescuer!
Paddle Presentation
The following is a guide on what the 'victim' or capsized paddler should do for the Eskimo
Rescue, paddle presentation technique (this is almost identical to bow presentation).
Take a breath!
Capsize the kayak.
Try to retain the paddle by holding it parallel along the size of the boat.
Tuck your head forward and reach both hands, either side of the boat skyward so they pop out of the water.
Bang the bottom of the boat 3 times to get the attention of fellow paddlers and to indicate that you are okay.
With the palms of your hands facing away from the boat, slowly slide your hands back and forth along the length of the boat.
When you feel your wrist being held, allow it to be guided to the rescuers paddle shaft.
Hold onto the shaft of the paddle (the rescues hand will now release).
Bring the other hand across and hold onto the paddle shaft using it for support.
Slowly bring your head to the surface BUT not out and up by pulling down on the rescuers paddle.
Take a quick breath, keeping your head low to the surface.
Using your hips, rotate your kayak so it is no longer capsized - try not to lift your head as this will require more effort!
When the boat is righted, push your body and head upward until you are completely upright.
Thank your rescuer!
Common Mistakes
By far, the most common mistake is that of trying to get your head out of the water as fast as possible. Rushing for
that gasp of air and getting upright as soon as possible results in the hip-flick being next to useless. Commonly, when
coaching Eskimo Rescues, I advise that the 'victim' has a rest on the bow of the rescuers boat before completing the final
hip-flick required to right the kayak.
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