Rolling
The kayak is the most sea worthy craft in the world because when it capsizes it is still sea worthy. The occupant may not think so, at that very moment, but their craft is still water tight (assuming thery are wearing their spray skirt). If the paddler can right their kayak they will also be as sea worthy as their kayak and then can continue on their merry way. A roll is the quickest and most efficient capsize recovery method available.
While rolling is a valuable skill it is only one of many skills one must have in order to venture onto the water in a kayak. If you perfect your ability to brace you may never need to roll. Derek Hucthinson once told me, "rolling up is a sign of success, but having to roll is a sign of failure." In addition, sooner or later everyone misses their roll. Therefore, knowing other methods of capsize recovery is important.
There are many different forms of rolling. The basic premise of most rolls is to right the kayak and the body will follow. In order to do so, one needs some form of support from a brace (paddle, hands, foriegn object, etc) so they can get their kayak upright. There are numerous rolls that have developed over the history of kayaking. Currently there are annual competions in Greenland where dozens of different rolls are performed in competitions. If you want instructional videos on rolling visit the USK Store and check out the DVD section.
Different methods of rolling:
Extended Paddle Roll (Pawlata Roll)
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