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Home › Sea, River, and Surf Kayak Classes on the Mendocino Coast

The Eskimo Roll

Thu, 09/13/2012 - 16:24 — jeff

Learn how to eskimo roll in a sea or whitewater kayak on the Mendocino Coast.

The Eskimo roll is an essential skill in the progression of sea kayaking, surf kayaking, and river kayaking decked (sit inside) kayaks. The Eskimos have many variations to the roll. This is vital to their survival in frigid waters and while on the hunt. Paddlers today still find that even though we are not hunting walrus, this essential skill enhances comfort, safety, and overall fun in the sport. It is not essential to get started kayaking. Some folks will not need a roll nor want to pursue the skill.Eskimo rolling in the surf is a lot of fun.

Why: Paddling is not always predictable and flipping over is inevitable. An eskimo roll speeds the recovery from minutes to seconds.  

A reliable eskimo roll is recommended for whitewater paddling and those interested in intermediate to advanced sea kayaking.  A reliable eskimo roll is usually obtained after 100 successful rolls and can be done in both flat and moving water.

Who: Any person that is interested in improving personal skills and performance in decked kayaks and/or waveski’s. Those interested in becoming more of an asset to a paddling group or team. People that are interested in Greenland Games and the rolls that go with them.

Prerequisites: Essential Kayaking Skills I, minimum 10 paddling hours, and/or instructor’s approval.

What: Eskimo rolling. We teach the sweep roll for whitewater and Eskimo rollsea kayaking, the standard Greenland roll (kinnguffik paarlallugu/nerfallaallugu) with a Greenland Paddle, and for surf kayaking we will adapt a roll to work with both Wave Ski's and Decked Surf Kayaks.   We are flexible and will accommodate your preferred style.

When: By appointment most days.

How: Call to schedule a lesson or tune-up.

How much: First timer: $150/person which includes kayak and gear rental, (1) 1.5 hour initial session, and (2) 30 minute sessions.

Tune-ups are available for individuals who have learned to roll but are rusty or need some coaching.  Tune ups are $20/person (20-30minutes) $30/person (20-30 minutes in the CV Starr Pool).

Where: CV Starr Center Swimming Pool or other location by appointment.