Rolling Clinic

Rolling is a fantastic skill to have for kayaking. Whether you want to be able to paddle in the rough stuff and keep right on going after an upset, you want the ultimate in kayak handling, or you just want to challenge yourself, rolling a kayak is a fun goal to set for yourself. Rolling a kayak (turning upside down and coming back upright again) is a skill that is often a challenge to learn, but when done well is almost effortless. There are many books and videos showing the roll, but until you try it yourself in real life, it isn't quite the same. 

Why learn to roll?

• It is a fast and effective recovery technique for when things go wrong.
• It helps to develop confidence in the kayak.
• It helps us to take on more adventurous water
• It helps us develop great kayak control
• It's FUN!

I keep very small classes for this course so that I can work with individuals one at a time to ensure that students don't become disoriented (or, actually to help them regain their orientation) underwater, and to ensure that they keep their shoulders safe. The rolls we learn in this clinic are referred to as "layback rolls" - a technique which is gentle and works well in sea kayaks, even a loaded sea kayak.

This course is a "clinic" and no certification is granted. Not everyone will get their first roll from one class and some will  find it easier than others. At the very least, you will come away from this clinic having gained some comfort and patience under the kayak, some techniques and exercises that can help with your progression, and have had some fun at the pool on a cold winter night!

Prerequisites: Participants should be familiar and comfortable with a wet exit and able to remain at least briefly in the kayak while capsized.  All equipment is supplied, but students should bring noseplugs and may wish to bring a dive mask or goggles.

This course is a Paddle Canada Rolling clinic. 

A 10% discount is available to Classic Outdoors Adventure Club members (contact the COAC for the code) and Saskatoon Canoe Club members (use the current boathouse door code).