I've decided to work out in the pool this year until I achieve successful wet re-entry. Embarrassment and exahustion are expected: there will be no video! There are lots of re-entry videos on the net, most done by people who are clearly lighter, thinner, stronger , younger and more flexible than I am. I saw one by a guy of about my own pathetic athletic level, took a long time and attracted lots of jeeringly pointless comments, but at least he did it. I could believe that one.

This one was also believable http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OOG--KAg9E&NR=1&feature=endscreen involving a telescopic pole and a water bucket. This video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shCRQldVyJU&NR=1&feature=fvwp was rare in that it actually had instructions and tips. However, I would not care to arm-wrestle the lady demonstrating the technique.

Then there's the various re-entry methods that obviously only work if you're not wearing a PFD; in fact those things seem to be more hindrance than help when it comes to paddling back home instead of waiting for help that may never arrive. Nonetheless, mine stays on!.

Most of the demos are no help to anyone paddling a canoe BTW. Found one here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHNu4q1Bsy4 took a whiles to bail - my 20 lb boat can just be lifted and flipped though. Something to try in warm weather.

Question: if you get flipped when wearing a PFD in a kayak you presumably aren't going to roll all the way. I didn't see this demonstrated. Does the boat go half-way so you can simply brace back up again, or does it fill with water, as seems logical if you aren't using a skirt?