He likely couldn't right the kayak because he was a newbie and they didn't teach that in the 5 minute "kayak safety course" he was given when he rented it.
Guys, I don't know how much kayaking you do, but "righting" the kayak and getting back in are two different things....First off, if you read the story, you would know he was wearing a life jacket. It was slipping off...Apparently this guy isn't very experienced. But, don't think it's easy to be in a situation like this....I'm an avid kayaker and I was in a situation where I needed help getting back in. Now, I could have just held on to the kayak and swam to shore, but don't discount how quickly things can go south.
How in the world does a life jacket slip off? Even the old orange jackets lock around the front, newer one zip and lock.
Sounds to me as if the kayak was wearing the jacket. We see this all the time where they put the jacket on the back or front of the kayak or paddle board. Doesn’t do them much good but the craft is safe.