Kayak Rolling – It’s All About Practice

There's something magical about exploring underwater!

There's something magical about exploring underwater!

I got out for a paddle today with Nat, one of my oldest and closest friends, a mate I met at university when I was 21 and have remained friends with ever since. We’ve shared houses together, played rugby together, and moved to different cities together.  I was incredibly excited when he told me he was thinking of getting into ski paddling after reading my Epic V8 ski review.

Nat looking relatively stable on the Epic V8 Ocean Ski

Nat looking relatively stable on the Epic V8 Ocean Ski

Whilst he practiced getting on (and falling off) different skis at Sydney Harbour Kayaks, I decided to make the most of the sunny weather and try to get my roll going again. I hadn’t attempted one for close to a year, with my last few attempts back then being a hit and miss affair, so I didn’t really have any expectations as I pulled up to the SHK beach for attempt number one.

No doubt the form was rough but I was pretty happy with the end result. I’d spent all Winter practicing stretching out across my rear deck, and felt this was definitely helping with the roll. Bouyed with confidence, I pulled in close to the marina and tried a few more.

Which just goes to show what happens once you get too cocky!! I still have a very long way to go, but at least I managed a few. As they say, practice makes perfect. Cheers – FP

Happiness is paddling under a Sydney Summer sun!

Happiness is paddling under a Sydney Summer sun!

The Fat Paddler by Sean Smith