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Step 1
Set up a roll by tucking your head close to the front of the boat. Then move your paddle to the side, keeping it out of the water and parallel to the boat. Twist your torso over the side of the boat and use your left knee to push the boat down into the water.
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Step 2
Position your paddle so that it's on the surface of the water parallel to the right side of the boat.
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Step 3
Loosen your grip and relax. Hold your paddle gently between your thumbs and forefingers.
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Step 4
Engage your rolling knee, or right knee (the side does not matter as long as it is the opposite of your setup knee). Use this knee to push up against the inside of the boat.
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Step 5
Make a wide, slow sweep through the water with your paddle away from the boat, avoiding resistance while your knee is engaged. Keep your head tucked into the shoulder of your sweeping arm. Your opposite wrist should be tucked tight to the shoulder while the elbow points out over the opposite knee, the rolling knee.
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Step 6
Keep the head tucked as you come up to the surface. Lifting the head too soon will cause you to roll back under or strain your shoulders. When you complete your roll, quickly take a stroke to re-center your body in the boat.
