Well stated that calm water rolling is so different than rough. As I'm learning to surf in my sea kayak in Tofino, BC, and consequently going in often, that wearing a nose clip is really helpful to keep that disorientation to a minimum, giving me more time to focus on rolling up without water shooting up my nose. Paddling 'defensively' (getting ready to side surf up and over the wave) is really useful to focus on so you don't have to roll in the first place. Also, I found that a forward finish [storm] roll on both sides allows me to come up in a paddle position where I'm ready for whatever is coming at me next, where a layback roll can leave you a little more vulnerable - but of course, use whatever works. Surfing is so much fun and once you learn how to do it effectively, you're ready for almost any rough conditions. Great video, KH!
As a relatively new paddler and aspiring surf kayaker, one thing I would recommend is that since I learned a solid basic layback roll, I have benefitted from continuing to try new rolls because I keep experiencing failure and and then have to reset and roll from an unexpected start point under the water. This gives me the chance to experience how much time is actually available to set up and not rush, while also giving me more confidence that I can do my strongest roll without an ideal setup. Also, it's interesting to me that, like you, I am right handed but have consistently better technique on my left side rolls. The two things I'd take away from that are that video is a vital tool in seeing whether your roll is really solid and also that imperfect practice reinforces imperfect patterns. If I'd never tried anything but my right-side layback roll my technique wouldn't have improved as much as it has.
Great comprehensive tips on rolling. I’m a WW kayaker, finally got the opportunity to do some surf kayaking in the Outer Banks of NC. I took my 7’-9” full slice playboat. Conditions weren’t great, with 4 sets of 4-5’ waves 10’ apart. The first two were basically breaking on sand. Trying to get past them in a short flat hull boat mostly resulted in going straight up the face of the wave and upside down head on sand. If there were more depth, perhaps I could have pierced the wave with a roll into it. I probably should have scouted other locations (without a sand bar effect).
I think these are really good points. I have terrible balance and have been knocked over in surf, big waves, current so many times so I've have lots of opportunity to practice all the stuff described here. The one thing I'd like to add, that's really helped me too, is learning how it feels when a wave helps the roll. So I'll practice going broadside to a wave and tip over as the wave hits me. Practicing a few times on each side and it becomes clear how the waves, current, whatever will "tell you" what side to roll up on.
Very good. I have not used my greenland in surf yet. I always felt like I need a large power face for launching through surf and also for bracing when bongo sliding. The stern rudder also feels less effective for me with the greenland. Obviously you have no issues with using one in surf so maybe I just need to practice more.
How long does it take to develop a reliable roll? I'm quite late in the game - mid aged and have basic sea kayaking experience, and no technique to mention of - and feel that unless I'd get a basic reliable roll within a few training sessions, I'd give up. And do you really need to keep practicing to not lose it?
I have seen several cases of people rolling in the first session, this was my case. But having a reliable roll requires many practice, but it is very fun and a motivation to go kayaking.
Well stated that calm water rolling is so different than rough. As I'm learning to surf in my sea kayak in Tofino, BC, and consequently going in often, that wearing a nose clip is really helpful to keep that disorientation to a minimum, giving me more time to focus on rolling up without water shooting up my nose. Paddling 'defensively' (getting ready to side surf up and over the wave) is really useful to focus on so you don't have to roll in the first place. Also, I found that a forward finish [storm] roll on both sides allows me to come up in a paddle position where I'm ready for whatever is coming at me next, where a layback roll can leave you a little more vulnerable - but of course, use whatever works. Surfing is so much fun and once you learn how to do it effectively, you're ready for almost any rough conditions. Great video, KH!
SUPERB video and advice. These tips match up perfectly with where I am in my personal skills development right now. Thank you!
As a relatively new paddler and aspiring surf kayaker, one thing I would recommend is that since I learned a solid basic layback roll, I have benefitted from continuing to try new rolls because I keep experiencing failure and and then have to reset and roll from an unexpected start point under the water. This gives me the chance to experience how much time is actually available to set up and not rush, while also giving me more confidence that I can do my strongest roll without an ideal setup. Also, it's interesting to me that, like you, I am right handed but have consistently better technique on my left side rolls. The two things I'd take away from that are that video is a vital tool in seeing whether your roll is really solid and also that imperfect practice reinforces imperfect patterns. If I'd never tried anything but my right-side layback roll my technique wouldn't have improved as much as it has.
Great comprehensive tips on rolling. I’m a WW kayaker, finally got the opportunity to do some surf kayaking in the Outer Banks of NC. I took my 7’-9” full slice playboat. Conditions weren’t great, with 4 sets of 4-5’ waves 10’ apart. The first two were basically breaking on sand. Trying to get past them in a short flat hull boat mostly resulted in going straight up the face of the wave and upside down head on sand. If there were more depth, perhaps I could have pierced the wave with a roll into it. I probably should have scouted other locations (without a sand bar effect).
These are all excellent advice. Stay calm in the water, work with it, don't fight it.
I think these are really good points. I have terrible balance and have been knocked over in surf, big waves, current so many times so I've have lots of opportunity to practice all the stuff described here. The one thing I'd like to add, that's really helped me too, is learning how it feels when a wave helps the roll. So I'll practice going broadside to a wave and tip over as the wave hits me. Practicing a few times on each side and it becomes clear how the waves, current, whatever will "tell you" what side to roll up on.
Great tips! Keep em coming!
Super fantastic video, thanks
Very good. I have not used my greenland in surf yet. I always felt like I need a large power face for launching through surf and also for bracing when bongo sliding. The stern rudder also feels less effective for me with the greenland. Obviously you have no issues with using one in surf so maybe I just need to practice more.
How long does it take to develop a reliable roll? I'm quite late in the game - mid aged and have basic sea kayaking experience, and no technique to mention of - and feel that unless I'd get a basic reliable roll within a few training sessions, I'd give up. And do you really need to keep practicing to not lose it?
I have seen several cases of people rolling in the first session, this was my case. But having a reliable roll requires many practice, but it is very fun and a motivation to go kayaking.
I would add that a nose plug really helps you be calm upside down…
They are a game changer, brilliant for training. But then you gotta practice without sometime too.