Kayak Rolling

Rolling a kayak is a valuable skill for both whitewater and sea kayakers. It is a great confidence booster that will enable you to paddle in more challenging conditions---and an important safety skill to keep you from swimming in places that can be dangerous.

Come learn the basics of rolling. You need to have taken the kayak lake lesson for this class. We'll work on hip snaps, bracing, and related elements of the roll. Learning to roll is a process---most people take several sessions before they complete their first rolls. This class will get you started on this process---although you are welcome to participate if you've already been working on a roll or just need to tune it up to make it more consistent and reliable.

Obviously come dressed for getting wet. Noseplugs are highly recommended (do you really want to inhale Lake Mendota water?)---good ones are available from Rutabaga (add a neck cord since these are designed to be attached to helmets). Also wear appropriate paddling shoes. Swim goggles or a diving mask also can be helpful---especially if you are more of a visual learner and like to see what's happening when you're upside down underwater.

And I could use some help instructing---so other instructors are welcome (contact me directly---please don't sign-up as a student on the roster). I also welcome paddlers who wish to learn how to teach rolling (itself a skill).