The Eskimo Roll is the act of uprighting a capsized kayak or canoe by use of the paddle and body motion. Typically by lifting the torso towards the surface, flicking the hips to right the kayak halfway up and applying a righting force by means of the paddle while tucking close to the front or back deck. Two whitewater kayakers running the Numbers section of the Arkansas River. ... A canoe is a relatively small boat, typically human-powered, but also commonly sailed. ... A paddle is a tool, originally a propulsion implement for mixing or pushing against liquids, typically in order to propel a boat. ... In physics, a force is anything that causes a free body with mass to accelerate. ...

Several styles of Eskimo roll are in use including the "C-to-C," Sweep, Screw, and Extended Paddle (Pawlata). The roll styles in use vary both regionally and by type of kayak. In the USA, the C-to-C has traditionally been taught in the eastern half of the country while either the older screw or more modern sweep roll have been used in the western half.

Mastering the eskimo roll usually requires both instruction and practice. A reliable roll is key to improving both the fun and safety level of both whitewater and sea kayaking. Whitewater is formed in a rapid, when a rivers gradient drops enough to form a bubbly, or aerated and unstable current; the frothy water appears white. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

It is possible to perform an eskimo roll in certain kinds of canoes, provided the canoeist is strapped in and provided that the canoe is of a rollable hull profile and uses floatation bags and/or a spraydeck. Rolling a canoe is considerably harder than a kayak, especially in a tandem canoe where the upright motion requires precise coordination between the canoeists. A spraydeck is a flexible cover for a boat, in particular for a kayak or a canoe. ... Tandem is a group of similar units arranged one behind the other and working together. ...

External links

• Qajaq USA - Movie clips of Eskimo Rolls and other manoeuvres
• Kayak Rolling Cross Reference - Web page listing all rolls known to the web page's author
• A Kayak Rolling Primer - Includes some fine hand drawn animations. (Same, but still)