Q&A for How to Kayak

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How do I perform a roll when kayaking?

Ky Furneaux
Survival and Outdoors Expert
Ky Furneaux is a survival expert, outdoor guide, and professional stuntwoman based in Australia. She’s been featured in over 100 films and TV productions, and has hosted, produced, and participated in some of the most extreme TV survival shows including MTV’s Made and Discovery’s Naked and Afraid. She has authored 5 survival books, including "The Superwoman’s Survival Guide" and "Survive: The All-In-One Guide to Staying Alive in Extreme Conditions", with the goal of sharing her knowledge of survival techniques with others. As an accomplished stuntwoman, she won a Taurus Award in 2012 for Best Female Stunt Performer and has doubled stars like Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Jaime Alexander, and Sharon Stone.

Ky Furneaux

Survival and Outdoors Expert

Expert Answer

Rolling a kayak takes practice and focuses heavily on your hip movements and coordination. Start by understanding the basic technique: once you’re underwater, reach up and position the paddle blade flat on the water’s surface. Push down firmly on the blade while simultaneously flicking your hips and driving your knee upward on the same side. This motion helps create a “C” shape with your body, which generates the momentum needed to roll back up into your kayak. But again, expect to spend some time building your muscle memory and refining your movements. You can take a lesson from an experienced instructor or practice in a pool or calm water can be really helpful.

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Question

How do I kayak faster?

Parker Sumwalt

Community Answer

Rotate your torso more than your arms. Your core is stronger than your biceps. Reach farther out with your paddle so you cover more water with the same amount of strokes.

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Question

How do I position my arms when paddling?

Community Answer

Place both arms straight out and directly forward. Hold the paddle straight from side to side, then proceed to paddle. If you have longer arms you may have to move your arms outward along the paddle.

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Question

What do I do if I turn over?

Community Answer

If you are wearing a deck, pull the tab as soon as you can. If you do not know whether or not you are wearing one, it is something that goes over the cockpit. If you are not, you should come out almost instantly, if you do not, put your hands behind you and push yourself out. Never rescue your own boat. Your only priority is yourself. Get yourself to the nearest side as soon as possible. If able to, bring your paddle, but not a priority.

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What to do when I sink?

Kayaker.Official

Community Answer

You should not sink if your kayak is in good condition. if you do though, paddle to the nearest side and empty your boat. Once you have finished your paddle and arrive at where you are getting off, check your boat as there is likely to be a crack or hole letting water in. If so, it's time to get a new boat.

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