Presenter Tom Storm demonstrates his playboat skill.
Rolling Rodeo
A morning of demonstrations, contests and coaching
The Rodale Aquatic Center at Cedar Crest College, Allentown
Spectators: free
Participants: $15 pool fee.
DEMONSTRATIONS
You've all heard of rolling your kayak. In whitewater kayaking, flipping a kayak upside down is one of the first rights of passage. In touring kayaks, some fear the day they go over.
Many whitewater boaters have one solid roll style, yet flipping your kayak rightside up doesn't always need to happen the same way. Join whitewater kayak instructor and river guide Tom Storm for demonstrations showing a multitude of ways to roll and control your whitewater kayak: rightside up, upside down, and sometimes even sideways. Tom will cover stern stalls, front loops, and a host of rolling techniques that will challenge the way you think about the relationship between you, your kayak, and the water.
For touring boat paddlers, our club rolling instructors will demonstrate some of the many rolls refined over centuries by the Inuit -- rolling back up from different positions and using the paddle in different ways – or not using the paddle at all. We’ll also demonstrate several easy ways to get back into the boat if you do find yourself swimming.
CONTESTS
After the demonstrations, anyone who has brought a boat and paid the $15 pool use fee is invited to show what they can do. Participants will sign up for the events they want to try on arrival.
1: How many rolls can you complete in one minute? Contestants will race the clock, one at a time.
2: How quickly can you do a wet exit, then pull yourself back into your boat and roll up?
3: Round the world race – two paddlers have to exit the cockpit and sit on the deck behind it, turn 360 degrees, then slide back in. First one back in wins.
4: Two paddlers switch boats. Standing up in the pool not allowed! Timed contest.
CLINICS
Sign up for a 15-minute session with an instructor. Work on your current roll or get started on a new one. Paddlers of all skill levels are invited. Sign-ups on arrival.
IF YOU ATTEND
- You must sign the Cedar Crest College covid waiver if you have not already done so this year.
- Street shoes are not allowed on the pool deck. Leave your shoes in the lobby.
- You must be a club member to take part in the pool; spectators do not have to be club members.
- If you are bringing a boat, it must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out. It will be inspected. Participants are required to wear a PFD and helmet.