Should You Learn How to Roll Your Kayak?
For many, rolling a kayak is like the “Holy Grail” of kayaking, especially for whitewater and sea kayakers.
In this post, we’re not talking about how to roll a kayak. Instead, we’re discussing the pros and cons to learning the roll.
Sometimes, learning the roll can actually be a barrier to paddling. It stops people from getting into both whitewater kayaking and sea kayaking. And some people put more emphasis on it's need. Do you need a kayak roll in order to be able to be a whitewater kayaker, a sea kayaker?
The short answer is no, you don't need to learn how to roll a kayak.
If that idea just turns you off, you don't need to learn to roll a kayak to enjoy whitewater kayaking or sea kayaking. You do have to appreciate though that it's going to limit the type of experiences you're going to have. Not having a roll will prevent you from pushing your skills and being in more exposed situations, as the kayak roll is by far the single best self rescue technique a whitewater paddler or sea kayaker can have.
If you don’t have your roll, you’ll need to stick to sheltered waterways.
All the other rescue techniques that are out there that you'll learn – in sea kayaking courses in particular – are about getting back into your kayak. And trust me when I say those are much more difficult and energy sapping than actually doing a roll. Not to mention, you're also very vulnerable. As soon as you're out of your kayak, you're very much at the mercy of whatever body of water you're in. Being out of your kayak means you're not in control.
For me, I think having a roll is really valuable for my own confidence – and my enjoyment – because I'm not worried about swimming and having to perform one of these other rescue techniques.
If you’ve decided that you don't want to learn to roll a kayak, you’ll have to learn other rescue techniques – either self rescue techniques or rescue techniques with the help of other people. You’ll have to be more conscious of the waters you’re paddling with, as well as who you’re paddling with, so that they can help you if a problem arises. You’ll also have to accept the fact that when you do go for a swim, it's going be a much more tiring and mentally draining experience.So, I guess what I'm saying is you don't need a roll, but having one certainly makes a huge difference. It takes professional instruction to learn the roll, but once you've got it, you've got it. And your paddling will be able to leap to a whole new level because you'll try things knowing that if you flip, you can roll yourself back up and carry on. If you decide not to learn the roll, that’s fine too, but you’ll just have to stick to protected environments and paddle with people that can help you in a pinch.
Still want to learn how to roll?
Check out this video on PaddleTV
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