Eskimo Roll
If you are interested in kayaking flat-water rivers the Eskimo Roll is not needed. If you wish to kayak in the ocean or any large body of deep water, the roll is very desirable but still not a requirement provided that you master other methods of self and assisted rescue and you don’t paddle alone. You can enjoy thousands of hours of peaceful and relaxing flat-water kayaking without ever needing to learn the roll.
If you are interested in learning whitewater kayaking, the Eskimo Roll is almost a necessity because you will be upside down a lot during the learning phase and it requires much less energy to roll than it does to wet-exit and swim with your boat and paddle. The International Scale of Difficulty states that the Eskimo Roll is desirable for Class IV and essential for Class V and VI. I think it is essential for initial learning whitewater kayaking.
One of the biggest advantages of learning the roll is that other maneuvers become easier. For instance maintaining balance by executing the “head dink” and/or bracing both use the same hip-snap that is used in the roll. These moves are guaranteed to make you a better and safer paddler whether you paddle flat or whitewater.
Personally, I saw the roll as a challenge and found it difficult but greatly rewarding to learn. For me the roll requires flexibility that I don’t naturally have so it means I have to stay in better physical shape than I probably would otherwise, and stretch before paddling. For those who have grace, flexibility and can absorb and follow instructions easily, the roll can be conquered quickly. For most it takes a while.
If you would like to learn the roll it is best to learn with a qualified instructor. You can also gain a lot by watching a video on the topic and reading about the several steps involved in the roll. I highly recommend taking a class or obtaining one-on-one instruction.
Here are some resources that might help you learn the roll:
Grace Under Pressure Learning the Kayak Roll - Video
Performance
Video eSchool - On-line training website
Sea Kayaking Safety & Rescue - Book by John Lull
Canoeing And Kayaking - Book by American Red Cross
© 2005 Chris Collins, All Rights Reserved