Rolling a kayak can feel mysterious — almost mythical — until you break it down step by step.
At Liquid Logistics, our
(almost) famous rolling sessions have helped hundreds of paddlers master the roll. With over a decade of coaching experience and an exceptionally high success rate, we’ve refined a simple, confidence-building approach that gets results.
Rolling is one of those skills that feels incredible once it clicks — and we make sure that moment happens.
Learning to roll should be fun, not frustrating. Here’s how we break it down and help you get there.
Step 1: Get Comfortable Upside Down
Confidence starts with being relaxed underwater.
Spend time simply getting used to being upside down — holding your breath, staying calm, and trusting the boat.
Take it slow; this is one of the most important stages of learning to roll.
Step 2: Find Your Bearings
Which way is up? Where’s forwards and backwards?
Learning your orientation underwater is key. We encourage paddlers to explore their full range of movement while inverted — it builds muscle memory and reduces panic when things don’t go to plan.
Step 3: Hips, Hips, Hips
All rolls start from the core.
Your hip flick (or hip snap) provides the power and finesse that brings the kayak upright. Practice this movement using another kayak, the pool edge, or a float before bringing the paddle into play.
A strong hip flick means a clean, effortless roll.
Step 4: Understand the Common Principles
Every roll — whether it’s a sweep, C-to-C, or hand roll — shares the same foundation: good body position, solid hip engagement, and a relaxed setup.
Once you understand those principles, learning to roll both sides (and experimenting with different techniques) becomes much easier.
Step 5: Paddle Practice
When you’re ready, it’s time to introduce the paddle.
Work with a partner who can guide and support the boat as you find your shape and timing.
Try both sides, stay patient, and revisit earlier steps as needed — it’s all part of building consistency.
Top Tips for Success
- 💧 Practice in a pool — goggles are your best friend.
- 🔥 Warm up properly before each session.
- 🎥 Film your attempts — seeing your technique helps you improve faster.
- 😌 Stay relaxed. A smooth roll is a confident roll.
Ready to Learn the Roll?
Join our
rolling sessions — held in a warm indoor pool, designed to help you master your roll in comfort.
We’ll demystify the process, give you clear feedback, and make it a genuinely enjoyable experience.
Book your pool rolling course now and make capsizes just another part of the adventure.
