Cowboy scramble

Also called cowboy re-entry.

Don't expect this to be a reliable re-entry technique in rough water.

A rescue performed by straddling the kayak's back deck and scooting forward to drop your seat into the kayak. Think of a cowboy actor on an old B western movie vaulting over the rump of his horse, and galloping out of town.

Climbing directly over the stern of the kayak (or just forward of a rudder, on kayaks so-equipped) makes balancing the kayak much easier than climbing on beside the cockpit. Using deck rigging, scoot forward to the cockpit. Once your belly is over the cockpit, drop your seat into the kayak's seat. Then, slip your feet into the cockpit. This maneuver requires much greater balancing skills when performed in kayaks with shorter cockpit openings.

This rescue can be done by emptying the boat first, or entering and pumping. Emptying first will make the kayak float slightly higher, and will be slightly tippier as a result. However, it lets you avoid pumping after re-entry.