Greenland Kayak Rolling with Dubside

Greenland Rolling I- Layback Rolls

Learning many ways to roll improves confidence and leads to full enjoyment of being on the water instead of constantly worrying about tipping over. Using a traditional narrow-bladed paddle seal hunters in Greenland developed over 35 different ways to recover from a capsize all without coming out of the kayak. The Greenland rolls differ from the whitewater “C-to-C” roll by utilizing more flexibility and finesse than muscle and power. Greenland rolling techniques are also a lot fun.

The class starts on land with stretching exercises, an important component of effortless rolling. We will then look at kayak adjustments and modifications that can streamline success. After an on-water demonstration we will go through a progression of layback rolling techniques including side sculling, the balance brace, the standard Greenland roll, elbow crook roll, shotgun roll, back-of-the-neck roll, spine roll, and throwing stick roll. The Greenlandic terms for these maneuvers will also be covered. Expect to go home with plenty of new insights to practice further on your own.

Prerequisite for Greenland Rolling courses: Students must be well versed in wet exits and able to do deepwater re-entry rescue.

Course Time: See "Course Schedule" for dates, Saturday's 12-5pm

Tuition = $200.00, includes paddle and pfd, use of dry suit, and instruction.
Student kayak rental fee = $20.00/lesson

Greenland Rolling II-Forward Ending Rolls

If all your rolls end on the back deck you’re missing out on half the fun. There’s another group of rolls that end by coming onto the front deck without leaning back at all. The seal hunters who invented Greenland rolling wanted as many options as possible to recover from an unexpected capsize without having to get out of the cockpit. Anyone who can bend down and touch their toes, or almost reach that far is ready to learn chest sculling, the storm roll, reverse sweep roll, reverse behind-the-neck roll, behind-the-back roll, cross-arm roll and the forward ending throwing stick rolls. All these rolls are far more than can usually be learned in one day, but you will get a chance to try them and begin working on the ones you haven’t done before.

We will begin with some stretching on land. The Greenlandic name of the forward ending rolls will be covered. If there is interest and time we will look at how the Greenlandic rope gymnastic exercises relate to rolling.

Prerequisite for Greenland Rolling II: Students must be well versed in wet exits and able to do deepwater re-entry rescue. It is not necessary to have learned layback rolls, but a familiarity with the hip/knee action that rights a kayak during rolling will help.

Course Time: See "Course Schedule" for dates, Saturday's 12-5pm

Tuition = $200.00, includes paddle and pfd, use of dry suit, and instruction.
Student kayak rental fee = $20.00/lesson

Enrollment in Greenland Rolling with Dubside course is limited to a maximum of five total students.

View the Course Schedule

Advanced Greenland Rolling

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© George Gronseth 2007, all rights reserved.