Kayak roll
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kayak Roll (often referred to as an "Eskimo roll") is the act of uprighting a capsized kayak by use of the paddle and body motion. Typically by lifting the torso towards the surface, flicking the hips to right the kayak halfway up and applying a righting force by means of the paddle while tucking close to the front or back deck.
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[edit] Use
Several styles of Kayak roll are in use including the "C-to-C," Sweep, Screw, Extended Paddle (Pawlata) and hand roll. The roll styles in use vary both regionally and by type of kayak. In the USA, the C-to-C has traditionally been taught in the eastern half of the country while either the older screw or more modern sweep roll have been used in the western half.
Mastering the roll usually requires both instruction and practice. A reliable roll is key to improving both the fun and safety level of both whitewater and sea kayaking.
It is possible to perform a roll in certain kinds of canoes, provided the canoeist is strapped in and provided that the canoe is of a rollable hull profile and uses floatation bags and/or a spraydeck. Rolling a canoe is considerably harder than a kayak, especially in a tandem canoe where the upright motion requires precise coordination between the canoeists.
[edit] Hip Flick
The hip flick, or "hip snap," is the initial step in a roll. This action consists of jerking the lower body to one side, applying pressure with the knee against the knee-brace, so that the kayak begins to right itself. The rotational momentum, combined with the paddle (or hand) brace at the surface, will bring the extra weight of the torso above the surface.
[edit] Types of Roll
[edit] C-to-C
The C-to-C is the most common type of roll taught to newcomers to the sport of Kayaking. It involves the kayaker tipping over, and moving their paddle so it comes to rest on the surface of the water at a 90 degree (right) angle.
[edit] Sweep Roll
Also called the Screw Roll, this is probably the easiest roll to learn, however it has the disadvantage of having the kayaker recover laying face up on the back deck which is not the ideal position to encounter whatever caused the capsize in the first place.
[edit] Hand roll
This is rolling without the aid of a paddle. It is commonly employed for Canoe polo, as well as a trick during rolling practice or when the paddler runs a river without a paddle. For the hand roll, the strength and timing of the hip flick are especially important, because the hands provide much less torque than a paddle blade.
[edit] Back Deck Roll
A back deck roll is most often performed when the boater flips while leaning back. If rolling with the right hand, the right forearm is brought to the forehead, with the paddle blade flat to the water. The left hand is kept at the left hip. Then, the hip snap is performed, and the paddler uses a forward sweeping motion to right the boat. This roll is advantageous because it is very quick, and the ending position is sitting forward with the power hand blade in the water.
[edit] References
- Hutchinson, Derek (1999). Eskimo Rolling, 3rd Edition. Globe Pequot. ISBN 0762704519.
- Dutkey, Paul (1993). The Bombproof Roll and Beyond. Menasha Ridge Press. ISBN 0897320859.
[edit] External links
- Qajaq USA - Movie clips of Eskimo Rolls and other manoeuvres
- Eskimo Roll Tutorial - How to train yourself to complete an eskimo roll.
- Kayak Rolling Cross Reference - Web page listing all rolls known to the web page's author
- A Kayak Rolling Primer - Includes some fine hand drawn animations. (Same, but still)
- Tips and techniques on a variety of rolls
