How to Do a Back Deck Roll in Freestyle Kayaking

Video Transcript

"The back deck roll is one of the kayaker's favorite rolls because most of our flips when we get pushed backwards by a wave or if we get endured up or we get leaning back. It's really easy to catch these back edges and flip over in the back of your boat. The back deck roll allows you to be rolling up from the backwards position and sliding your paddle forward as you go. The way it works is that you're going to start in a similar setup to your normal roll. Instead of having your wrist forward you're going to roll your wrist back, so the power face of the blade is facing downwards. On my over, I'm going to take that power face and I'm going to punch it back toward my stern as hard as I can. As I go over, I'm looking at this edge of my boat. As I finish the back deck roll, I'll be sliding my paddle out from my stern forward. As I do that, my weight is also going to be going from the back forward. If you notice peddler’s keeping their head dry, it's because their paddle is low on their chest, which also help protect your shoulders. If it's here, it's forcing my head into the air making an even better roll."