How to Eskimo Roll a Kayak
Any serious kayaker knows that rolling is part of the fun and discipline of the sport, and one of the most famous maneuvers is the Eskimo roll. This is where the person rolls and recovers from capsizing in the kayak, while managing to stay in it. It requires balance, precision and control. If you want to master this move, here’s how.
What You’ll Need:
Kayak with paddle
Safe body of water to practice on
Spray skirt
Helmet
Personal flotation device
Friend or assistant
Procedure:
Find a good practice spot to do the Eskimo roll. It must be deep enough for you to roll without hitting the bed and it must be free from obstructions that can harm you, such as large rocks and underwater creatures. Deep pools and small lakes are great. When you improve, you can move to rolling in waves and rapids.
Find a qualified instructor to help you with the Eskimo roll. Even when you’re experienced, never attempt this maneuver without any companion.
Get in your kayak, with your helmet on and the paddle in hand. Attach the spray skirt. Hold your paddle normally, then lean forward. Put your paddle against the kayak’s left side, then lean towards the left. The paddle’s front blade should be parallel to the waterline.
Set up the roll. Tuck your head close to the kayak’s front, then keep the paddle out of the water, parallel to the boar. Twist your torso to the boat’s side, then use your left knee to push and bring the boat down in the water.
Put the paddle at the water’s surface, parallel to the boat’s right side.
Relax, then loosen your grip on the paddle. Hold it between your forefingers and thumbs.
Ready your rolling (right) knee. Push this against the kayak’s inside.
Make a slow and wide sweep through the water, your paddle away from the boat. As your knee is engaged, avoid resistance. Keep your head tucked inside your sweeping arm’s shoulder. The opposite wrist must be tucked tightly to your shoulder, as the elbow is pointing out over your opposite knee or the rolling knee.
As your head comes up the surface, keep it tucked. If you lift it up too soon, you’ll strain your shoulder or roll back. As you finish the roll, take a stroke quickly, then put your body in the center of the boat again.
Some Tips:
Keep your right knee and hip pressed against the deck’s underside. This ensures that your upper body comes out of the water.
Keep practicing until you’re able to perform these steps in one fluid motion. Practice rolling both sides.
Make sure your leading arm is straight throughout the motion, so you’ll get a clean and wide sweep.
The best you can do to master this move is to keep practicing. Soon, everyone will admire your perfect and sleek Eskimo roll!