THE DRY ROLL

I always used to think the Dry Roll was a gimmick then one day, after a particularly large wave dumped me head first onto a beach (knocking some sense into me), I found a real application for it!

The principle of the dry roll is to rotate the boat over the paddler and back upright again whilst on dry land. I must stress this isn't a recognised stroke and shouldn't be attempted if you have back, neck or shoulder problems. If you’re experimenting with this it may be a good idea to have some bystanders nearby just in case you get stuck under your kayak. Make sure your bystanders are trustworthy as the temptation for them to walk away leaving you stuck is quite considerable!

The dry roll is best applied without the paddle, but if you insist on using a paddle, simply lay it flat on the ground as you roll. Anyway, if you’re silly enough, here’s what you do.

With the kayak in an upright position rotate your torso completely to one side.
Reach back (not forward) and place both hands (palm down) on the ground.
Using your hips slowly flip your kayak above you - make sure you use your hands and forearms to protect your face.
Your back should now be on the back of the boat and you should be looking back resulting in your chin pointing towards the ground (hence the reason for using your forearms to protect your face).
At this point the entire weight of your lower body and kayak are acting on your lower back (this is why the dry roll isn’t recommended). This is the position where most get stuck eating dirt.
DO NOT TRY TO LIFT YOURSELF AND THE BOAT: It’s simply too heavy and something is likely to go twang in your back!
Once again use your hips to flip the boat over to one side so the boat rests on its gunwales.
With a little more hip flip and a little arm pressure, push the boat upright again.
Finally, right your body with the last little bit of movement in your hips by pushing of the floor with your hands.

REMARKS

Nice round-hulled boats work well, but some of the modern play boats, with their vertical gunwales tend to get suck on their sides!

I must stress this isn’t a recognised stroke and it is bad for parts of your body so please be careful if you attempt it!