The knee lift motion is the foundation for bow rescues, where the rescue boat quickly maneuvers to a position perpendicular to the flipped boat. The upside down paddler reaches hands up on both sides, and scans from end to end for the bow of the rescuing boat. Once both hands have firm grasp of the bow, the position is similar to the hip snap practiced by the side of the pool.
The same knee lift motion is the foundation for bow rescues, where the rescue boat quickly maneuvers to a position perpendicular to the flipped boat. The upside down paddler reaches hands up on both sides, and scans from end to end for the bow of the rescuing boat. Once both hands have firm grasp of the bow, the position is similar to the hip snap practiced by the side of the pool.
In bow rescues, right the boat with a strong hip snap without lifting your head or pushing up with your arms. For the best bow rescue progression it is important to have three distinct phases to the bow rescue: head on bow, hips right boat, only then lift head.
This is a fairly common rescue method used in hazard-free whitewater, where an attentive friend or instructor can help you stay in your boat. With an aggressive instructor helping you, this technique can save many a swim. However, you must learn whitewater swimming, for your own comfort and safety.
Tip: rescuers, approach from the bow and take care to avoid directly hitting the hand since that could cause a nasty wrist or hand injury. Keep your head down!