One of the things whitewater paddlers often talk about is having a bombproof roll. Whitewater paddlers often encounter conditions that most sea kayakers wouldn't go near, but in handling those conditions they develop advanced bracing and rolling skills that allow them to stay in the boat even if they flip on a wave or in a hole. (Whitewater paddlers
expect to flip over.)
As do whitewater kayakers, sea kayakers often learn to roll in a pool or on a calm stretch of water, but how often do sea kayakers really get to practice these skills? Today the air temperature is 50F, and the water
temperature is around 40F. If you're out paddling on the Chesepeake Bay and you flip over,
is there someone close enough to do a T-rescue, or do you really want to do a wet exit?
A couple years ago we were out on the Bay with a small group and paddled out to one of the lighthouses. It was summer and the water was relatively warm with 2- to 3-foot swells. Nothing particularly difficult, so we decided to practice a few rolls. We each took turns rolling in the swells with a spotter ready for a T-rescue. Everyone successfully completed their rolls and paddled back with a sense of satisfaction.
I think that in the sea kayaking community, rolling is often considered one of those "nice to have" but not "essential" skills. When Barbara and I took our sea kayaking classes we were not taught anything about rolling, we had to learn that in the whitewater classes. I disagree with that kind of thinking. I think that rolling should be taught in the introductory classes along with the other basic sea kayaking skills such as strokes, braces, and navigation. Of course along those lines I am happy to note that many people seek rolling instruction later, and we taught a number of rolling and rescue classes over the last couple of years.
Unfortunately many sea kayakers seem to be somewhat less successful at actually completing their rolls, or even if they complete a couple they don't practice enough to have a reliable roll. Having a solid roll will increase your confidence on the water and allow you to paddle in more places and under a greater range of conditions. Isn't that reason enough?
I could suggest that the fastest way to a reliable roll is to practice in whitewater conditions (and in a whitewater boat!), but that may not a realistic option for many paddlers. However I would suggest taking every opportunity to practice until your roll becomes second nature. You don't have to learn 100 types of rolls like the Greenland paddling champions. One type of roll, practiced consistently, is all you really need. If you prefer the C-to-C, do that. Sweep rolls are often easier for sea kayakers to learn, so try those. When the water gets too cold to paddle (or freezes over), find a local
pool session and keep practicing; these skills are perishable if you don't keep them fresh. Just remember to bring a buddy along just in case you need that T-rescue.
