Eskimo roll
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The Eskimo Roll is the act of uprighting a capsized kayak or canoe by use of the paddle and body motion. Typically by lifting the torso towards the surface, flicking the hips to right the kayak halfway up and applying a righting force by means of the paddle while tucking close to the front or back deck.
Several styles of Eskimo roll are in use including the "C-to-C," Sweep, Screw, and Extended Paddle (Pawlata). The roll styles in use vary both regionally and by type of kayak. In the USA, the C-to-C has traditionally been taught in the eastern half of the country while either the older screw or more modern sweep roll have been used in the western half.
Learning the eskimo roll requires both instruction and practice. A reliable roll is key to improving both the fun and safety level of both whitewater and sea kayaking.
It is possible to perform an eskimo roll in certain kinds of canoes, provided the canoeist is strapped in and provided that the canoe is of a rollable hull profile and uses floatation bags and/or a spraydeck. Rolling a canoe is considerably harder than a kayak, especially in a tandem canoe where the upright motion requires precise coordination between the canoeists.
External links
- [Qajaq USA] - Movie clips of Eskimo Rolls and other manoeuvres
- [Kayak Rolling Cross Reference] - Web page listing all rolls known to the web page's author
- [A Kayak Rolling Primer] - Includes some fine hand drawn animations. [(Same, but still)]
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