How to Learn to Roll a Kayak
Capsizing happens. But if you can roll your kayak, it won't ruin a day of paddling.
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Instructions
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While in your kayak and with it upside down in the water, do a modified sit-up to your left side.
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Push your hands up and out of the water: keep your forearms against the side of your kayak.
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Angle your wrist so that you paddle blade will have a slight climbing angle as it sweeps away from the kayak on the surface of the water.
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Keep your head near the surface and sweep your body; paddle around the side of the kayak.
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The hip snap begins as you begin the sweep but continues until the roll is completed.
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Use the paddle to brace yourself while you straighten your back. Once you have straightened yourself up, you can begin paddling your kayak to get back into control.
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Tips & Warnings
Want to take a class? Call a shop that sells kayaks; they can usually steer you in the right direction.
Try to avoid lifting your left arm during the sweep; doing so will make the right paddle dive and you will lose the benefit of performing the sweep.
When done correctly, when the roll ends, you will be leaning slightly back with your head leaning toward your shoulder.
Never lift your head while rolling your kayak: it will strain muscles in your abdomen, your arms and your shoulder while you try to pull the kayak back under your body.
