Kayak Rolling | The Black Art Demystified (How to Paddle Series)

In Kayak Rolling, a leading authority draws on his years of experience to help you learn to roll, improve the roll you already use, and develop a bombproof roll. Taking an easy-to-follow, full-color visual approach to learning through clear photo sequences, Loel Collins presents exercises so you can feel what's required and prepare for the transition from a controlled setting such as a pool to the variables of moving and open-water environments. Relevant to all kayakers, from sea kayakers to playboaters, its step-by-step, visual approach to learning through sequence photos, illustrations, and diagrams makes it a must-have for paddlers of all kinds of kayaks if they wish to resurface healthy and conscious when their boats turn over.

After the initial sequences, problems are identified and solved. A flow chart helps you improve an unreliable roll and plan your own learning sequence. Kayak Rolling is perfect no matter what type of kayak you have, and it provides a mine of useful tools for teaching the sport.

Rolling is the most critical skill any kayaker must know. Also called the “Eskimo Roll,” it is the act of righting an overturned kayak through body motion, often complemented by paddling. Those new to kayaking can acquire the three-dimensional thinking necessary to progress in the sport by learning the skill, while intermediates and even advanced paddlers can gain enhanced confidence by fine-tuning their rolling technique.

What's Inside

Look inside to find:

• Gaining water confidence
• Capsizing and exiting
• Swimmer rescue
• The C to C roll
• The back deck roll
• Head problems: confidence, orientation, staying calm
• Body problems: hip & waist, arms, head, nose
• Paddle problems: sweep without diving deep
• Setting out
• From a cool pool to a cold river
• Coping with the unexpected

About the Author

Loel Collins is head of the canoeing department at Plas y Brenin, one of the United Kingdom's leading outdoor skills schools. His books include Kayaking (Know the Sport), The Art of Freestyle, and Top Tips for Boaters.

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