Kayak Roll

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The Kayak Roll

You may find this a difficult topic or skill to master. It is true that a true kayaker knows how to accurately and efficiently execute a kayak roll. Have you learned how to master the kayak roll? If you are accidently turned over by a wave or water disturbance against your boat what is your exit plan? What are you going to do to get your boat upright again? Did you know that you can even roll your kayak back upright? 

It is easy to roll a kayak upside down. Did you know that it is just as easy to roll your kayak back upright? The key to this is to have a paddle that fits well in your hands. Have a kayak that you are strapped tightly too that fits and responds to your body movements. It is super important that you have a lifejacket on to help with buoyancy and a helmet in case there are rocks or sharp objects under the water that you don’t see above the water, protection first. 

Now that you are outfitted with the proper fitting boat, lifejacket, helmet, skirt, and most important a paddle that is the right size and has the grooves in the handles to allow you to easily fit it in your palms just right. First, you need to take your left hand holding your paddle and place it with the paddle in hand in the center of your boat above the water once you are capsized under the water and boat. You will want to have your thumb lined up with the center of your rear like you were going to use it for an anchor. You will now have the ability to orient your paddle so that the blade can be used as leverage against the face of the water and the face of the paddle blade. The face is considered the side with the most mass and the widest part of the paddle. This needs to be flush against the top surface of the water, with the face of the paddle pointing or facing toward the bottom of the water surface. It is like you are going to start at the top or surface level and pull the paddle all the way down under the water to scrub the bottom of the river, lake, or ocean. When you pull you the paddle downward like I’m describing you will feel the boat lift upward like it is going to roll upright. 

Now that you have felt the boat roll partially upright with the blade in the correct placement. Next, you will pull on the paddle causing the boat to turn upright and as it turns upright you will snap your hip toward the paddle as if you were trying to give that extra force to cause the boat to be off balance and roll upward. The last thing to come out of the water will be your head. You will want to roll the boat over with the center of gravity as close to the center of the boat as possible allowing your head and extremities to be last out of the water. If you practice this a few times. You will feel the various parts that I have described and you will soon be rolling kayaks no matter where you are. 

Check out this YouTube Video on how to Kayak Roll. 

Disclaimer: Don’t try this at home. Only professionals should attempt any Kayak roll or other technical kayaking skills. In kayaking you run the risk of drowning. This sport should be done with professionals and with a group of three or more. Drowning could occur from not following all rules and guidance of a professional trainer that is with you at all times while you are kayaking or any water sport.

If you found this topic of interest you should now check out the Kayak Slalom page. Click here to go to Kayak Slalom page.