All-In

This scenario involves two or more capsized, wet-exited paddlers who are near enough to make it practical to swim their boats together. If the boats and paddlers are far apart, then it would take too much time and energy to try to swim together. At least one of them will need to do a self-rescue. Of course, the best scenario is for both paddlers to perform individual self-rescues. This would have both of them out of the water most quickly. If self-rescue is not possible, there is the all-in.

Let's call the two swimmers "Mutt" and "Jeff." They decide that Jeff will be first to regain his boat. Mutt swims to the side of his boat that is opposite Jeff's, while Jeff brings his boat's bow to the middle of Mutt's boat.

Jeff supports himself grasping the coaming of Mutt's boat (under water, but easily reached) and drags his bow onto Mutt's Hull. Mutt reaches across to grab Jeff's bow. He pulls Jeff's inverted boat up onto his, emptying the cockpit. Now he flips the kayak with Jeff's help, and the two boats are brought side to side. Reaching across his boat, Mutt stabilizes Jeff's boat. Jeff hauls himself onto his rear deck and enters his cockpit as in the T rescue. Once his spray skirt is attached and he's ready to go, he performs a standard T rescue for Mutt.

Variation for short-armed paddlers: There is no absolute need for Mutt to position himself at the widest part of his hull if he finds it difficult to haul himself up and reach across. He will be able to provide just as much support for Jeff if he stations himself near the narrower bow or stern.Any additional paddlers in the water can now also be assisted with T rescues.