The Kayak Roll

Basic Principles Behind a Kayak Roll by Dan Seaman from Explore Magazine

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I give this article 3 stars because it teaches a valuable, possibly life saving lesson. It could be improved by giving a more in-detail description of the steps of how to carry out the procedure.

This article could potentially save my life! As a kayaker myself I was very interested to learn a self-rescue technique that I might someday be in the situation to use. The article gives a diagram on how to execute the kayak roll, which is a technique you use when your kayak or canoe has flipped over. It then goes on to give tips on how to do it most effectively. It encourages people to use their hips to roll the kayak over, where most people would be inclined to use their upper body strength. It also persuades people to go against their natural reaction to pull their head up above water first and keep it down, that way your centre of balance is lower which makes it easier to roll yourself over. Then it encourages people to practice the technique over and over, and to practice it rolling both ways.

I found this article incredibly helpful and it made me realize how unprepared I would be if I were in the situation that my kayak flipped over. I have been kayaking for years and I have grown confident in my ability to keep it upright, as i`ve never even once flipped over before. I`ve also never worn a lifejacket in my kayak because of this reason. I am always with my dad when I go kayaking too, so that gives me a level of security about my safety aswell. The article made me realize that I should put more consideration into my safety and practice emergency procedures such as the kayak roll in case that I go kayaking alone, or I get into a dangerous situation in my kayak. I have been inspired to learn more about kayaking and safety procedures so that I can keep myself safe, and I plan to hopefully try the kayak roll when I get the opportunity.

Article Source: http://explore-mag.com/1316/fitness-and-nutrition/basic-principles-behind-a-kayak-roll