Do you struggle with a consistent roll? You’re not alone. The roll can come and go, especially if you paddle rivers where you don’t flip over.
The roll can be challenging to perform consistently because…
a. The movements are counter intuitive. We’re use to being able to use strength to push ourselves up or brace ourselves if we fall. In the element of water that’s not possible because water is not solid! Effective technique is needed.
b. Whether you want to admit it or not, flipping upside down in a medium where you can’t breathe while having your lower body snuggly wedged into a plastic boat is scary! The mental game for rolling is real!
c. The roll requires flexibility and strength. If you’re musculature is really strong, but not very flexible you’ll struggle with the roll. If you’re super flexible, but don’t have any hip strength, you’ll actually have an easier time, but still struggle to be consistent.
I’ve created three videos to help you develop a strong, consistent roll.
The first video is all about your mental game. Learn why Be Do Have is a more effective way to approach the roll than a Have Do Be attitude.
The second video is a yoga based strengthening and stretching sequence specific to the muscles used for rolling.
The last video is a walk through of my kayak sweep roll. I’ll guide you step-by-step in my roll technique.
If you want a consistent, strong roll then you’ve got to work on all three of these aspects – mental game, flexibility/strength and effective roll technique.
Have fun practicing and please leave comments or questions below or in the comment sections of the videos.
Thanks to Chuck Cloninger for the inspiration to write this blog!
Want coaching for a consistent roll and confident skills? Click Here to take private instruction with me.
Here’s another blog I wrote about rolling:
