How to Roll a Kayak

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Kayaking is a fun way to get exercise, but occasionally your kayak may flip over. Whether your kayak flips due to rough water or simply losing your balance, you can keep yourself safe by learning how to roll a kayak. A C-to-C roll is a basic roll that's great for all kayakers. [1] By setting up to practice a C-to-C roll, pulling yourself upright, and recovering from the roll, you can become a confident kayaker in no time.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Setting up to Practice a C-to-C Roll

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  1. Have a friend spot you while you are learning how to roll. It's always a good idea to establish a distress signal, too, so you can communicate if you need help.
    • Setting up to roll is important not only during practice but also during normal kayaking. It will help you roll over quickly and efficiently.
  2. Hold your paddle in both hands on the side of the kayak opposite your dominant hand. Hold the paddle right above the water's surface with the front blade flat to the surface of the water. [2]
    • If your paddle is feathered, with a concave curve on one side of the blade, hold that side up. This is also called the “power” face of your paddle.
    • For example, if you are right handed, hold the paddle on your left-hand side to set up for the roll.
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  3. Press your chin against your chest, and lean your chest forward towards the side of the kayak where you're holding your paddle. You're going to roll in this direction. [3]
  4. Hold your paddle steady in the same position alongside your kayak as you do this. You will naturally rotate head down into the water. [4]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Pulling Yourself Upright from Upside Down

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  1. Keep your paddle blade as close to the surface of the water as you can while you are head-down underwater. Your arms will act as a pivot during the turn, leveraging against the kayak. [5]
    • This position will help you get the most leverage to press down against the water and right yourself.
  2. Imagine an invisible line between each of your shoulders and another dividing your body in half vertically. Through the roll, avoid having either hand cross the midline or move behind your shoulder line. To do this, rotate your torso whenever your rotate your arms to keep your body aligned. [6]
    • Watch your blade move through the water when you swing it out to 90 degrees. This will naturally cause your torso to rotate in alignment with your hands.
  3. With your front paddle blade out at 90 degrees, pull downward against the surface of the water. Use your arm against the kayak bottom as leverage to increase the strength of your pull. [7]
  4. As you press down against the surface of the water, use your hips and dominant knee to rock the kayak upright with the force of your pull. As you rotate, leave your head and shoulders in the water as long as possible.
    • Lifting your head and shoulders out of the water too early (they are heavy!) can zap the momentum from your roll.
    • Practice your hip snap to build speed. The more you practice, the more quickly you'll be able to roll and right yourself.
  5. Eliminate the temptation to lift your head out of the water early by keeping your ear against your shoulder. Your head will be the last part of you to emerge from the water. [8]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Recovering from the Roll

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  1. As you come up from your roll, rotate your knuckles towards the back of your wrist. This will help you brace yourself against the water with your paddle as you find your balance again. [9]
  2. Shake any water out of your eyes and ears, so all your senses are available to you. Take a deep breath or two if you feel winded.
  3. Shift your bodyweight forward, as you'll naturally come up from your roll with your bodyweight slightly back. Paddle ahead as normal. You're ready to tackle your next challenge! [10]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I do a roll during deep-sea 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 in deep-sea conditions is definitely tougher than in river kayaking. While rolling takes practice with any type kayak, it’s important to know that not all kayaks are built for easy rolling. Whitewater kayaks are designed for quick maneuvering and rolling back up after a capsize—they’re shorter and more agile, making that hip flick and paddle push bring you back to the surface smoothly and easily. On the other hand, deep-sea kayaks aren't really made for rolling because they're longer, have bulkier hulls, and often include compartments, which makes rolling even more difficult. That said, with enough skill and practice, it’s possible to roll even in a sea kayak. But be prepared because it needs extra effort.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-riOC8poAs&feature=youtu.be&t=30
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-riOC8poAs&feature=youtu.be&t=149
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-riOC8poAs&feature=youtu.be&t=162
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-riOC8poAs&feature=youtu.be&t=162
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-riOC8poAs&feature=youtu.be&t=236
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXsP0eUwBac&feature=youtu.be&t=57
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-riOC8poAs&feature=youtu.be&t=283
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-riOC8poAs&feature=youtu.be&t=439
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-riOC8poAs&feature=youtu.be&t=478
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-riOC8poAs&feature=youtu.be&t=434

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