back-deck roll

[brianL]

I'd like to add this skill; anyone with tips on succeeding.
Thanks for the assistance.

[rterry]

Brian,

This one is a little easier to demonstrate than explain. Have you tried the roll before? If so, what happens when you do?

Some basic considerations:
1. Just like any roll, the back deck roll is powered with a strong hip snap
2. Keep your blade at the surface of the water as you sweep
3. keep your weight low and your head down

Keep a slight bend in your elbow when you are practicing this skill, it can be hard on the shoulders. If you have any more questions let me know. I will try to get some pictures or video up on the site so you can get a look at what I'm talking about.

Good Luck!

Rob

[AndyB]

Never really understood the back deck roll. In pool sessions, people would always show me this crazy set-up with the paddle that never felt right.

My friend this weekend gave me this tip. Turn your upper body, extend both arms in front of you and pretend like you are trying to jump out of your boat to the side (to the left I think, if you normally roll on your right blade). As you do this, your boat will flip and your paddle blades should be flat on top of the water. Next step is to sweep with your front paddle blade and snap your hips. If you do it right it feels more like you are throwing your boat over yourself than like you are rolling.

But like Rob said, its easier to show this than describe it. It was the trying to jump out of your boat tip that finally made it click for me.