Working the side of the pool works. But when I first start to teach someone I have them fall over into my hands as I stand beside them and the boat, this way I can feel how much pressure they are applying with their hands and arms as appose to them using more of their abdominal mussels. Also I can coach them and direct them to keep their face looking to the bottom as all too often they want to look for the surface. As mention by others...... looking up will kill your roll.

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Al Greve http://www.canoewateradventuring.ca South Western Ontario's canoeing specialist

I find "hip flick" (a tem borrowed from kayaking) to be misleading for open canoes - it's a pretty slo-mo roll, so it's more of lower-body groan than a hip flick. I think of it more of the pulling and pushing of my legs in the outfitting.

You'll get lots of different pieces of advice, all good, about specific little things, but the challenge is that no one specific element makes or breaks your roll (with the exception of looking up / lifting your head) - it's a matter of linking everything into one seemless motion that rights your boat, gets it underneath you, and puts you back in it.

It takes some practice and it's about muscle memory for keeping the good motions and losing the bad ones.

Some good comments have been offered about hinges, slinkies and so on!

Sounds like your on the right track, taking your time underwater and "hanging out" is a good first step! Having alook around might help too, especially when you start coming under form your offside flips, so you might want to use a mask or goggles while you're under there, it helps some people to see where they're at and what's doing what.

Pat.

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Learning to paddle is like learning a language:
It's easy to learn the basics, but will you be understood in a strong wind?

I still cant get the boat past 90o

Anyone know of anywhere I can get some hands on instruction for an hour or so around the GTA or reasonably close to Huntsville?

All my paddling friends yak' so they don't have a clue how to teach someone to roll a canoe.

Thanks,
CurlyFries

I can teach you if you want. Lake Ontario Cherry Beach is not bad. Bring nose plugs. If you know someone with a pool I can meet you there.

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I like canoes

I thought he already said that the yakkers can't teach him to roll a canoe!

Just kidding based on a rumour I read. Generous offer Dan - good luck Curly.

Keep your face looking down.

Pat.

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Learning to paddle is like learning a language:
It's easy to learn the basics, but will you be understood in a strong wind?

Those that can do...
Those that can't teach...


I can't get on babyface, garb or push-button in an openboat. I can't flatwheel an open-boat, I can't sit in my outfitting for more than an hour in a C-1, I can't catch a small wave on the fly in a C-1. I have decided that since I now have nothing to prove to anyone I will kayak in comfort, style and safety.

However, I can still teach an openboat roll, as useless as that maneuver may be.

FYI, I do both canoe and kayak trips and have for years. My preference is still WW tandem tripping. I have a few days on the dumoine coming up.


Yes I am defensive and having emotional issues over the defection/abdication.

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I like canoes

Hey

Sorry It took me so long to reply. I started working near Huntsville an week and a bit ago tripping for a camp so I have been without internet for a while.

That's a generous offer, but I am not sure when I will be back in the GTA anytime soon. Maybe I could send you a message if I am around?

Thanks,
CurlyFries