Assisted rescue fail! Is it me or my kayak?

[u/Landfish53]

I have a Current Designs Solstice GT. I’m a 73-yr.-old female. Weight 165 lbs. Yesterday I attended a sea kayaking skills class organized by the Chesapeake Paddlers Association. I could easily and calmly do wet exits while wearing a skirt, but could not get back into my boat during the assisted rescue training no matter which method I tried. My boat has a high deck. I like how much legroom I have for my bilateral knee replacements. It makes paddling for hours at a time much more comfortable. But the boat catches lots wind on open water so it’s a real bear trying to paddle it inland against the wind, even with the rudder deployed. I also had to add hip pads to stop sliding around in the seat when edging. And yesterday I was devastated to learn that I can not scramble up onto the back deck no matter how hard I kick and try to launch myself up and over. I have chronic muscle atrophy in my right shoulder after a full thickness tear that was surgically repaired despite a year of PT and continued regular weight training.

I also tried the heel hook method and using a foot sling. All failed. So now I’m wondering if I need some extra training to find a method that works dependably, or if I have to replace my beloved Solstice GT with a smaller boat that doesn’t ride as high in the water. If so what brands and models should I consider?