Everything Scott says is right on the money-that is the easiest way to get
back on (I know from practicing) and never assume because you read how to do
something you will be able to do it when the need arises- PRACTICE!!!

"Ki Ayker" wrote in message
...


Actually the most common method of getting back onto a SOT is to "swim"
your
chest up and over the seat from the side of the boat. Then you simply roll
over
so you are seated in the boat side saddled, with both legs hanging off the
same
side of the boat. From there it is a very simple matter to twist and throw
your
legs back up onto the boat.
Most people are able to easily accomplish this technique with some
practice.
However, some people have problems with it. Really overweight folks and
people
with poor upper body strength for example. So the key here is to practice
BEFORE you need it, and to continue practicing on a regular basis so that
it
becomes second nature and you don't have to think/worry about it. You
needn't
practice in the gator infested waters. Find a local swimming hole, or even
a
neighbors pool to practice in.
Now I don't paddle in gator water, but I just got back from visiting
some
friends in Australia who told me stories of crocodiles coming out of the
water
and taking paddlers right off of their SOT's. I was not able to actually
verify
the stories (and we all know how them Aussies love to tell stories :-) but
I
might rethink the SOT for paddling in gator territory. Then again, I think
I'll
just stick with the west coast of North America and let you guys sweat the
big
lizards :-))

Scott
So.Cal.