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Marine

Kayak/canoe launch minimizes the dunkings

By Ben Coxworth
November 21, 2016
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A kayaker uses the EZ Personal Launch to enter the water
FWM Docks / EZ-Dock Northeast
A kayaker uses the EZ Personal Launch to enter the water
FWM Docks / EZ-Dock Northeast

If you're a serious kayaker or canoeist, then chances are you already know how to get in and out of your boat while it's sitting alongside a dock. Should you just be renting one for a bit of fun, though … well, perhaps you could use some help, especially if you don't want to go for an unexpected swim. That's where the EZ Personal Launch enters the picture.

Using EZ-Dock's EZ Launch as its inspiration, the rotationally-molded Personal Launch attaches to the side of an existing floating dock. There, it cradles the boat (or paddleboard) up out of the water, while the user climbs in.

Once they're ready to go, they just place their paddle in the grooves of the so-called "horizontal ladder" and use it to pull themselves forward. A V-shaped cutout in the launch's platform centers the boat as it slides into the water. Getting back out is much the same.

A company rep tells us that the EZ Personal Launch is priced at US$1,400. You can see a sped-up demo of it, in the following video.

Source: EZ-Dock

Tags

MarineCanoeWatercraftKayakingpaddleboarding
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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
4 comments
JoshSkelton
My initial reaction was "that's just for sissies," but then I took a humble pill and realized that this is actually really, really cool. Particularly for tourist destinations. I live near a lot of places that could really benefit from something like this. Hope this product makes it to market for a reasonable price.
Bob Flint
Part of me thinks this may help more people get into the sport, but the false sense of balance needed to respect the craft is missed... not to mention trying to get out anywhere else than your "safe dock"
Getting dunked and recovery is more important, and is part of the sport, so stay away from this if your confidence is not up to it....
Gerwalk
It is nice to use, but any paddler needs to know how to get back in the canoe or kayak when they are in water where you can not touch the bottom. I practice it 3 or 4 times a year when I am out on the water. And the shoreline is not always level enough to go ashore and get back in. Besides getting wet is half the fun.
RobertJdeMicheli
Looks good. For a person who uses a kayak a lot, there has to be an easier way. The issue is how to get in and out of the kayak, from a wood dock, or the rear of a larger boat. This is a great stating point. May have this device in the water, but preventing the kayak from flipping. I know as you get "older", this is becoming more difficult, also the grandchildren have issues.
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