What is the right Way to Roll Kayak?

Roll kayak! that’s what my friend told me when he saw me in trouble, when I was a beginner.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may know that I’m a big fan of kayaking. I used to kayak with different brands and different types.. but if I have an advise, in addition to have the right accessories, it’s to learn how to toll your kayak. It’s really an important think because, either you are a beginner or not, at some points you find your self under water, that’s for sur.

So let’s explore together what I’ve learned during my different experiences.

Learning how to roll might come in handy in various situations, whether you are out on open water or paddling down a river.

Consequently, I have compiled this handbook to impart some knowledge to you and facilitate your education. And I do hope that the next time you go out paddling, you will have the opportunity to give it a go.

Why is it Important to Learn how to Roll a Kayak?

Discover the best way to roll a kayak! If you go out on the water in a sit-inside kayak, it is crucial to know how to right yourself if you manage to capsize. Because there is no cockpit to keep you contained if the boat capsizes, the regulations are slightly different when riding a sit-on-top kay because you will fall off if it happens.

Because of the constantly moving water conditions, understanding how to roll your kayak is often considered a vital ability for whitewater kayakers. However, rolling is a technique that can be helpful to have for other types of sit-inside kayaks, even if you already know how to execute a wet evacuation.

When you are in a sit-in kayak with a spray skirt, performing a kayak roll may be the best option. The skirt will aid in preventing water from entering your cockpit by providing a barrier against it.

Where Is the Best Place for a Novice to Learn How to Eskimo Roll?

Suppose the water is still and there are not any obstructions. In that case, it might be an excellent place to learn how to roll since you would not have to stress about anything coming your way, like currents or anything else.

A swimming pool is another great place to practice rolling since it allows you to do it without being as concerned about the temperature of the water as you would be in other environments. In addition, it can provide you with a protected region of calm water to educate yourself. Watch this video to see the best way to roll a kayak.

What are various kinds of kayak rolls?

Before we get into the various sorts of rolls, here is a video instruction that will explain the significance of the hip snap technique as well as how to do one efficiently:

C to C Roll

The best way to roll a kayak is called C to C Roll, which gets its name from the motions made with your paddle as you complete the roll. It is possible to do it quickly, and it may be done in confined areas, both of which are advantages for whitewater paddling.

To do this maneuver, you must position your paddle such that it is perpendicular to the cockpit and apply downward pressure on the blade. At the same time, simultaneously use your hips to right the boat. This method is the best way to roll a kayak.

Sweep or Screw Roll

The sweep roll, often called the screw roll, is the best way to roll a kayak and it’s a different roll utilized frequently in kayaking. The term derives from the motion you make with your paddle as you travel over the water, sweeping from the front to the back of the boat.

You could have more time to execute the hip snap method that will bring you back to an upright position if the roll that you are doing is of this sort. This roll may require more room than the C to C roll, but it is often recommended for open water because of its stability.

Back Deck Roll or Reverse Sweep

Suppose you find yourself leaning back against your kayak. In that case, the reverse sweep roll is a recovery strategy that might save you time when compared to set for a regular roll. This recovery method can be an excellent alternative if you find yourself in this situation.

It is performed in the same manner as a sweep roll but in reverse, so your paddle’s sweep motion will be from the stern to the bow of the boat.

Hand Roll

Once you are capsized and without your paddle, the hand roll may be an option for you to consider. As a result, you would require utilizing your hands rather than your paddle for this method to correct yourself.

To accomplish this, you would first bring both hands together, forming a paddle or fin shape (as two hands are more powerful than one). Then you would push your hands down into the water from the pool’s surface. Watch this video to see the best way to roll a kayak.

Best way To Roll A Kayak – Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Find a safe location

Suppose you are going to do an Eskimo roll for the first time. In that case, it is recommended that you do it in water that is not turbulent and does not have any barriers, waves, or currents. A swimming pool can be just what you need to learn the best way to roll a kayak.

Step 2: Practice setup

You will often need to begin in the same posture for both C to C rolls and sweep rolls to prepare for both types of rolls adequately.

Bring your paddle to one of the sides of the kayak so it is parallel with your vessel (typically the left side if you are right-handed and vice versa). This will set you up for the roles you will be performing. Maintain the blade’s position so that its cutting edge points up and flat on the surface of the water.

Maintaining this posture with your paddle, lean forward and to the side toward the front blade of your paddle. At the same time, turn your body to face your paddle and maintain your head tucked in.

Step 3a: The Catch (C to C method)

When you get to this point in the roll, you can use the hip snap technique to turn your kayak back over so that it is sitting in an upright position with the assistance of both your paddle and your knees. Step 3b: The Release Step 3b: The Release After you have completed the roll, you will want to paddle back to the starting position.

If you are right-handed and want to do a C-to-C roll, you will need to swing the blade that you are holding in your right hand out from the kayak until it is at a 90-degree angle to your boat. Keep in mind that you need to rotate your body so that it is facing this blade. This is considered as the best way to troll a kayak.

Step 3b: The Catch (sweep method)

When doing the sweep roll, the catch point may be located by sweeping your paddle from the bow towards the stern of the boat.

From the same setup posture as the C to C roll, begin by sweeping the water’s surface from the bow towards the stern with your right hand while moving your right blade over the water. While you are doing this, submerge your paddle throughout the sweep that is being performed.

Step 4: The Hip Snap

The hip snap is the maneuver that will assist you in bringing your kayak back to its upright posture after doing a C-to-C roll or a sweep roll.

If you are right-handed and your paddle is on the left side of your vessel, you will need to utilize your right knee to assist you in turning the yak over so that it is facing you again. While rotating your hips to the right, pull up on your right knee to bring the yak back into the proper position.

Step 5: The right way up is the best way to roll a kayak

This has to be the best was to troll a kayak. Combine the techniques of the hip snap, and the paddle caught. You will be well on turning yourself the proper way up once you have successfully utilized both of these techniques. Maintain your head, keep your eyes on your paddle, and twist your body as you rise out of the water as your kayak begins to correct itself. This is the best way to troll a kayak

It is important to remember that your head should be the very last portion of your body to emerge from the water. When you emerge from the water after doing a roll, it is possible that your body will be positioned toward the rear of your watercraft. This is something that depends on how you roll.

Final Thought

The ability to roll a kayak may be a very useful talent, particularly if you want to paddle in harsh circumstances or if you are paddling on whitewater. After you have capsized your kayak, you may be able to correct it with the help of the Eskimo roll so that you may get back in the water and resume paddling without having to call for assistance.

Remember to keep yourself safe out there, and if you wish to assist your fellow paddlers in any way, feel free to pass on this information. Please let us know how things are doing with your roll by commenting on this post.