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Self-Rescue Because you cannot always rely on others to rescue you, you should always have a reliable self-rescue. The most popular self-rescue technique is called the paddle-float re-entry. As the name suggests, the rescue requires a balloon-like piece of equipment called a "paddle float." The paddle float, when inflated and attached to one paddle blade, allows the paddle to be used as an outrigger to stabilize the boat during and after re-entry.
The insightful book Sea Kayaker Deep Trouble, by Matt Broze and George Gronseth, includes a step-by-step description of the paddle-float re-entry. Read this book, or take a rescues class from a local outfitter, and then practice this technique until you can perform it on the first try in a variety of conditions.
The Eskimo Roll An Eskimo roll is an invaluable technique allowing a capsized paddler to right the boat without wet-exiting. Rolling can be considered the ultimate rescue: it can be done without assistance under almost any conditions, requires no special equipment, prevents full immersion of the body, and removes the paddler from the water within seconds.
For these reasons, New England Sea Kayaker strongly recommends that all paddlers, especially those who plan to paddle during the off-season, develop a reliable Eskimo roll. Contrary to popular belief, rolling does not require strength; it instead demands finesse and technique.
Take advantage of the classes offered by local kayaking outfitters, even if you need to attend two or three to finally get it right. The confidence and security you gain will improve your kayaking immeasurably.
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Clothing and Gear
Even if you have solid kayaking skills, there is still a chance of capsize anytime you're on the water. As a backup, you need to dress for immersion, especially when the water is so cold that hypothermia is a concern.
 What is dressing for immersion? As discussed earlier, an important component of heat loss in cold water is circulation of water across your skin, rapidly drawing heat away from your body. When you dress for immersion, you select clothing that decreases or eliminates water circulation, allowing you to maintain body heat and delay hypothermia.
There are two main classes of cold-water paddling clothing: wetsuits and drysuits. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so use the following paragraphs to guide your choice.
Wetsuits A wetsuit is a neoprene garment that works by trapping a thin layer of water against your skin. This layer is warmed by your body and prevented from circulating with the colder water outside the wetsuit.
The most popular type of wetsuit for kayaking is known as a "Farmer John," which covers your torso and legs but has no sleeves, allowing freedom of movement in your arms. A typical Farmer John wetsuit is shown here.
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