Kayak Roll Identifier & Troubleshooter
If
you have a kayak roll that is
not functioning as you would like (or
you want to learn more
about the five types of kayak rolls) take the
time now to identify your roll before
reading
further.
(Click
the Banner Below)
The Hot Springs
Let the hyperthermic waters of
Volcan Michimahuida supercharge your learning
process. We believe
we have found the perfect location for teaching
how to roll a kayak, protected from cold
water and weather. Our Michimahuida hot spring
classes go rain or shine, keeping our students
in total comfort. The waters are so inviting
you will want to roll without hesitancy - which
is the single most important factor in learning
the kayak roll. With these warm tranquil waters
and our expert instructors, there will be no
time lost. You will learn more about how to
roll a kayak in three days at our kayak school than in three years
of trying to learn on your own on your local
river. Better than the swimming pool because
the warm waters help in muscle relaxation and
recovery, the Michimahuida hot springs are
nestled
in a deep valley off of the dormant Michimahuida
Stratovolcano. Steaming mist, flowering bushes,
giant ferns and native coihue trees make up
a virtual botanic garden surrounding the hot
springs.
 |
 |
The Patagonia South Teaching Philosophy
A
perfect kayak (eskimo) roll is the most
important foundation one can develop for progressing
in the sport of whitewater kayaking. A functioning
kayak roll enhances confidence and ensures fast
progress in the sport. A marginal kayak roll
will erode confidence and progress and be the
reason for not kayaking up to your potential.
We
have always been surprised to see how
many paddlers have kayak rolls that allow them to just "get
by" without 100 percent confidence
and for one reason or another, the kayaker does
not fix it. Paddlers can go years with the same
problem in their kayak roll…and the resulting lack
of confidence in their kayaking. Kayakers who don't learn to roll a kayak when starting out are usually at a great disadvantage later on.
Company
founder, Chris Spelius and
our kayak instruction team have dedicated many
years to analyzing
and teaching the kayak roll. We are researchers
of the science in different styles of
kayak rolling. Chris has been featured in
videos, on television and has written kayak roll
instruction articles for industry publications.
He has taught at Nantahala Outdoor Center
and Otter Bar Kayak School, and has been
invited to teach at kayak schools around
the world.
At
Expediciones Chile we have contributed
to the evolution of teaching the kayak
roll and we want to see it continue to evolve.
We also keep a close watch on other instructors
and instructional methods, looking for any new
advances. We study all the new literature and
new videos and we are aware of what the hottest
kayakers are doing as well as what works for
the recreational kayakers who just want to have
fun. We participate in national instructor conferences
to keep up on the latest kayak rolling techniques that others
develop. Doing all the different kayak rolls is not
that hard. Teaching them well is much harder
and takes experience to develop the eye and the
communication skills to focus on the exact solution
for each person. Our instructors are passionate
about doing this!!
Here
at Patagonia South Kayak School,
we insist that our instructors learn the
five
types
of kayak rolls that we sponsor.
We have found that these different rolls,
when done properly are, solid and safe. Some
are
slightly easier for different body types.
However the most important thing is perfecting
the technique of the roll that you are using
- doing it one hundred percent correctly.
Changing your kayak roll is not a silver bullet.
Doing the roll correctly is the silver bullet.
We will analyze your kayak roll on video, determining
what style of roll you are doing and determine
how we will help you perfect it. Only in
rare cases, where a body type does not fit
the type of roll you are attempting, will
we change the style of roll -
and only with you in agreement. To learn
more about your own kayak roll see our Kayak
Roll Identifier.
“IF
you do the roll technically correct the kayak
has NO CHOICE but to right itself, even in chaotic
whitewater. It is clear that rolling problems
start with the erosion of technique.“ Chris
Spelius
What
are the reasons that a roll that does not work
one hundred percent of the time? It has not
been made abundantly clear to the kayaker with
the precise words and perfect demonstration
what that exact motion is. Thus the kayaker
does not have the muscle feel of that motion.
This is where the expert instructor comes in.
The
erosion of technique is also caused by a lack of confidence that seduces one to try to get up by lifting their head, or pushing their paddle down, or additional instinctive movements that destroy the perfect technique. This is where perfect practice builds the confidence.
We
maintain that a roll is not that hard to learn. If you are a beginner we will analyze your body type, your goals in the sport and decide which kayak roll is best for you.
If
you already roll you should understand which type of roll you have been trying to do. Then learn the exact motions that groove this roll. It is not difficult. We know what to say so that you will know the perfect verbal, and feeling cues to execute the perfect roll motion."
No
matter if you are a C to C, sweep,
back deck or rodeo roller, let us enhance your
future in this sport in one of the world's most
beautiful class rooms with the most professionally
committed instructors you will find anywhere.
“Ten
practice rolls with expert feedback are more
important to your progress than one hundred
practice rolls without feed back. Practice does
not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect!”
Chris Spelius
Our
Hot Springs Rolling Clinics - Details
Our
kayak rolling clinics take place from November
to April during our Learn to Kayak Multi-Sport
weeks, New Kayaker Weeks, and Whitewater
Tune-Up
weeks. Contact our office to set up a rolling
clinic to fit your schedule. We can spend
as
many days on the kayak roll as you desire and
incorporate it in any of our paddling school
or multiparty weeks. This opportunity is
great
for sea kayakers who want to make the transition
to whitewater or to paddling open or more
extreme
water.
Also offered at the Patagonia South Kayak School: Beginning Kayak Instruction, Intermediate Paddling Instruction, Advanced Paddling School Courses. How to Roll a Kayak clinics and private kayak lessons.
Downloadable
pdf: Kayak
School
.jpg)
