Do I need to work on my roll technique?
Being able to roll means you don’t have to come out of your boat when it capsizes. This then stops you getting unduly wet and cold. This in turn provides the confidence to try new techniques and experiment. A good roll is kayakers must have asset.
With such emphasis then it’s all too easy to get focused on achieving a roll rather than achieving a good roll. Unfortunately learning bad technique will never ever lead to the mystical bomb proof roll. At KJO we focus on establishing techniques and tactics that promote continued development and a greater awareness of what exactly should be happening.
We have an extensive range of rolling courses suitable for everyone. So if you have no roll or an almost perfect roll we have just the course to help your progression.
What roll techniques should I use?
There are three main methods. These suit the imposed demands of the environments you are likely to paddle in.
Front Deck Roll (core technique)
A rapid roll technique ideal for river running as it offers the greatest amount of protection to your face whilst also providing good core stability. The roll involves the body been rotated and tucked forward into the front quadrant and then starts with a forward sweeping stroke, with the paddle near the surface. The boat comes up smoothly and simultaneously throughout the entire sweep stroke. The torso continues to rotate until the elbow almost touches the back edge of the kayak behind the cockpit.
Back Deck Roll (core technique)
This is a lightning fast kayak roll that is ideal for freestyle and some river running situations. Whilst your face can be exposed in this roll, this is a minimum amount of time when properly executed. This roll again involves a simultaneous movement of paddle and body. It starts with a high brace close to the chest, you then rotate towards the back quadrant and the blade connects with the water whilst doing a support sweep in an arc on the surface.
Hybrid Roll (adaptive)
If your roll does not look like one of the above it is possible that you are doing a “hybrid roll” that hopefully involves using “combinations” of sound principles. Don't consider this a negative aspect, this is the normal evolution of a roll technique to suit the diverse variety of situations in which it’s being used. However, unless you have established the core techniques, it's easy to switch to something more intuitive and erosive because you have no model to measure yourself against.
