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Greenland Kayaking Rolling Technique
Qajaq USAdescribes the use of a Greenland paddle when rolling as follows:
A Greenland paddle is not only a great tool for an efficient forward stroke and strong bracing, but it is unequaled for its rolling performance. A Greenland paddle has long, low-aspect blades (similar to a glider wing) that develop incredible lift when swept through the water. The blades exhibit very little tendency to dive during a sweep (much unlike most spooned blades).
The symmetry of the blade makes it easy to maneuver underwater and produces few surprises no matter which surface of the blade that you use.
A common misconception is that a Greenland paddle has "flat" faces. The cross-sections of a Greenland paddle blade is lenticular (lens-shaped). This aids rolling and sculling performance.
One of the best ways to learn technique is by observing kayakers better than yourself and teaching others. This is "mentoring" and is the basis for Qajaq USA events. Mentoring is how kayaking is generally learned in Greenland.
When faced with the "rolling list" a common question is "where do I start"? One logical rolling progression (after one learns basic techniques including bracing, forward strokes, etc) is:-
Become comfortable in/under water
- Side sculling (teaches paddle control,finding balance point of kayak and body, and aft leaning hipsnap on recovery)
- Standard roll (you may wish to scull up initially)
- Balance brace (logically you could do this right after learning a side scull but most people want to get a roll down as soon as possible)
- Armpit roll or crook arm roll (for variety and to have a one-handed option)
- Chest scull (teaches forward leaning hipsnap)
- Reverse roll (very closely linked to the chest scull)
- Storm roll (an excellent roll for battle conditions)
- Other rolls of your choice
- Norsaq rolls (a good intro to the hand rolls)
- Hand rolls
The Greenlanders start with the first three items in the order shown. Otherwise follow your interests and keep it fun (and safe).
As you work through the rolls you will discover that most of them are simply variations of the standard Greenland (layback) roll, and the storm roll (forward leaning roll).
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