How to Teach a Friend the Kayak Roll

Prerequisites to Teach a Friend the Kayak Roll

A kayaker demonstrates how to Eskimo roll a kayak.

Photo © by George E. Sayour

When teaching someone the kayak roll, you must first know how to roll a kayak yourself so that you can properly diagnose and instruct the person you aim to teach. Choose a calm protected place where you will be practicing that is shallow enough to stand. You will be getting in the water so be sure to wear your pfd.

The person who is being taught to roll should know how to successfully wet-exit the kayak prior to trying to learn to roll. Additionally, it is helpful if the person learning to roll has perfected the hip-snap.

• Prerequisites to Teach a Friend the Kayak Roll
• Demonstrate Rolling a Kayak for the Person You are Teaching
• Teach a Friend to Kayak Roll: Get Into Position
• Teach a Friend to Kayak Roll: Position the Kayak Paddle
• Teach a Friend to Roll a Kayak: Position Your Hands Under the Kayak Paddle Blade
• Teach a Friend to Roll a Kayak: Hip Snap to Roll the Kayak
• Teach a Friend to Roll a Kayak: The Recovery Phase of the Kayak Roll