K A Y A K t e C h N i Q u e
On a roll: psyched for success.
PHoto ryan creary
never sWiM again
three PrOs share their Best tiPs FOR BOMBPROOFING YOUR KAYAK ROLL
N
OTHING IS MORE CONFIDENCE-INSPIRING than a reliable kayak roll. With good instruction many new paddlers learn the basics and roll on the first day.
Truly having a roll, however, means knowing you can count on it in any situation, not just in the pool. Getting to this point requires training your muscles into
immediate kinetic response and then training your brain to block out any other option or shred of self-doubt. Like any skill, mastering a no-fail roll takes plenty
of practice, discipline and good coaching tips from those at the top of their game.
SIMON COWARD Kelsey ThomPson WAYNE DICKERT
DIRECTOR OF PADDLESPORTS AT AQUABATICS IN PROFESSIONAL KAYAKER, MULTI-TIME CANADIAN PADDLING SCHOOL DIRECTOR;
CALGARY, ALBERTA, AND DIRECTOR OF PADDLER NATIONAL FREESTYLE MEDALIST FROM TRURO, NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER,
EDUCATION FOR THE ALBERTA WHITEWATER NOVA SCOTIA NORTH CAROLINA
ASSOCIATION
faVOurite rOll: Back deck roll. It’s fast, faVOurite rOll: Sweep roll. It is especially
faVOurite rOll: Modified sweep roll. It is requires little to no setup and finishes in an
good for older paddlers who have less flexibility.
functional and effective for all body types and aggressive forward position ready for the next
doesn’t rely on surface tension, so it works really stroke.
PrO tiP: Remember to sweep out about 20
well in aerated water.
degrees before you start your pull and hip-flick—
PrO tiP: While underwater, putting your forearm it’s usually easier to roll the boat side-to-side
PrO tiP: If you feel resistance on the paddle in front of your forehead will protect your face from
than end-to-end!
you are working too hard. With the modified rocks in this more vulnerable back deck position.
sweep roll, the paddle slices through the water
the seCret: Arch your back a bit to keep
and the rotation of the body and knee drive/hip
the seCret: Envision yourself doing a perfect your head low and body flat on the water. In
flick right the boat.
roll—you have to mentally accept that you can a playboat, move your body weight toward
do something before you will physically be able the stern where the lower volume will roll more
the seCret: Take your time when setting up for to. Telling yourself that you’re not going to swim
readily. Watch that your weight isn’t so far back
the roll. If you have a good setup you will succeed brings greater success than flawless technique.
that it inhibits your hip-flick.
most of the time, even in very aerated water.
trY this: Keep your arms tight to get the most trY this: Even if you’re a world class swimmer,
trY this: When you are practicing the roll, wear flexibility out of your hips. Reaching way out
you’ll want to use a comfortable set of nose
goggles and open your eyes. As you sweep, gives you more leverage but makes it harder to
plugs when learning the roll. Good plugs give
watch the paddle blade moving near the surface edge your boat. Also, commit to finishing on your
you quality time when you’re hanging out upside
away from the boat. If you get this part right you front deck—coming up to the side often means
down thinking through your roll.
have won half the battle. falling back into the water.
22 Rapid
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