We <Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe> teach many different rolls to our students, both whitewater and sea kayak. Different body types, age, flexibility, boat choices, etc. all fall into play when deciding which roll works best for you. Basically, there is a support system available to the paddler. This system is based on posture, blade and shaft angles, and paddle pivot point. The strongest support position is due abeam <90º>. If you can set up, then sweep out so you end up at that position you will have the strongest mechanical advantage to support yourself, boat, balance, roll, whatever. The *head dink* is a way of slinking the boat back under your head <vs. trying to lift your head back over your boat>. It works best at 90º. Some folks have the ability <flexibility> to get their paddle out to the 90º position and *then* hipsnap when rolling. <C to C> some begin the hipsnap as the paddle moves out to the 90º position <sweep>. Both are good rolls but IMNSHO the sweep is stronger as it develops more thrust as the paddle moves out and back. It *is* a dynamic roll, the C to C is more static <actually 3 distinct parts>. 1. set up, 2. sweep out, hesitate, 3. hip snap. In combat I use whatever gets me up. I can demo a bu**load of rolls all using this support system. Steve Scherrer Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe 250 NE Tomahawk Isle Dr Portland, OR 97217 Phone: 503.285.0464 Fax: 503.285.0106 Web site: http://www.aldercreek.com Email: acks_at_teleport.com ______________________________________________ Sea Kayak Rollers, I have been surprised about sea kayakers referring to C to C rolls so much in posts on this list, because I find the sweep roll much more effective in a sea kayak, especially one loaded or swamped, and most especially for the re-enter and roll. I thought the C to C was used mostly by white water paddlers. I practice to maintain C to C rolls on both sides, but when it comes to combat, it is always a sweep roll on either side for me. The sweep roll just seems smoother and more powerful. I would like to read input from other sea kayakers about what kind of rolls they depend on for combat. Duane Strosaker Not Certified at All Southern California Steve Scherrer ( o )===[#] *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:05 PDT