OC2 Technique
Tandem Canoe Roll by Jeff Bos photos Rob Faubert
or a fully outfitted tandem canoe with end and centre air bags, rolling is the most efficient form of self-rescue and an invaluable skill in big water. The roll requires the correct technique, proper out- fitting and that magical synergy of communication and cooperation to ensure smooth timing and success.
F Step 1
Both paddlers must understand the progression and have practiced the open canoe roll in a solo boat (“Open Canoe Roll,” Rapid online, V2 I1). It is important that each paddler learn to roll on the same side to ease the transition from solo to tandem. When practicing the tan- dem canoe roll, it will be easier to start the roll with both paddlers set up in the low-brace position on the same side of the boat. Flip toward your now-shared paddling side. Relax and look around when you get underwater.
Step 2
Swing your paddles and torsos out until they are per- pendicular to the boat and rotate your shoulders so they are at, and parallel to, the surface, facing down. You will have to have worked out your timing so you are rolling at the same time. In one popular method, the stronger roller counts to five while setting up and then initiates the roll. Meanwhile the weaker roller switches hands on his paddle if he has not already done so, sets up on the rolling side and then waits for the stronger paddler to initiate the roll.
Step 3
With your bodies and paddle blades as close to the surface as possible, and with very little pressure on your paddles, push away with your legs on the non-paddling side and pull up with the opposite knees, rolling the boat on edge. Think about your lower bodies rolling the canoe and then your arms and paddles getting you both into the boat in the next step.
Step 4 Now that you have the boat up on edge, it’s time to
get into it. You will find yourselves in the low-brace posi- tion, bodies and paddle blades at the surface, faces in the water looking straight down. It is important for both pad- dlers to finish the roll by bringing their bodies into the boat at the same time. Be smooth and don’t rush it. Tandem canoes—don’t snap upright.
Step 5.
Finish the roll by keeping your heads low as you bring them across the boat to centre the weight. Don’t sit up until your heads have reached the far gunwale and the
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canoe is level. Then one paddler starts paddling to build momentum and gain stability while the other quickly switches back to his paddling side.
Tips:
1. In most river situations you will not be paddling on the same side. One paddler will have to switch sides and it is usually best to roll up on the paddling side of the stern pad- dler so that once upright she can immediately take control of the canoe.
2. Give the paddler who is switching sides some extra time to get set up for the roll after changing his paddle grip. After a while you’ll just feel it.
3. It is possible to do a tandem roll even if one paddler cannot roll on his own. Tandem rolling is a great way to teach the feel of rolling to someone just learning.
4. Ensure your tandem boat is properly outfitted with cen- tre and end air bags as well as thigh straps. A tight fit allows the boat to become an extension of your body.
Between traveling and living in warmer parts of the world, Jeffrey Bos has spent his summers working as the Head Instructor at the Madawaska Kanu Centre.
Step 1
Step 2
Dwayne Smith and Jeff Bos.
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