Beginning Kayak Roll - Tacoma - 2016

Sea Kayaking Course

Beginning Kayak Roll

Kayak roll class; one classroom session plus 3 pool sessions.

Classroom & boat fit: Oct 30, 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Pool sessions: Nov 6, 13, 20 1:00 – 4:30 pm

Lead Instructor: Gary Peniston,  253-851-8348 or ghpghp@earthlink.net.

Being able to roll is very cool. Not only will you be able to get back up in 2 seconds after a capsize, it's fun! Plus, your confidence level in general will soar. 

We’ll start with a short classroom session to review the basics of rolling, watch some excerpts from a very good roll video, learn some exercises you can practice to help you get the feel of a roll before you even hit the water. You can bring your boat so we can check for proper knee engagement; we can help you adjust or add a foam wedge as needed. This session is at the Tacoma Mountaineers Program Center, 2302 North 30thStreet, Tacoma.

We’ll hit the pool for our afternoon Roll Class sessions on the subsequent 3 Sunday afternoons.  Students will be split into two sessions, one from 1:00 – 2:15 pm and one from 2:45 – 4:00 pm.  Each session has an optional additional 30 minutes of pool play time at the end for students who want more practice on their own.  The Roll Class pool sessions are at Peninsula High School Pool, 14015 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor. Pool Play sessions, later in the winter, will be a further opportunity to practice and sometimes for further adhoc instruction to roll class participants.

Call the leader for permission to sign up, discuss your boat fit, and to get an information packet.

We recommend that you consider purchasing the video, "The Kayak Roll" by Mary and Phil DeReimer, directed by Kent Ford.  We will be watching selected segments during the classroom session, and feel that this is an exceptionally good video that covers the fundamentals of kayak rolling very well.  It also has a nice trouble-shooting section, if you find you have difficulty with your roll. You can purchase it in various locations, including Amazon, for around $30.

There are no prerequisites for this class. In fact, if you are considering taking the Intro to Kayaking Class next spring, I would recommend taking this class first. If you get a reliable roll, you'll be fearless!

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

We'll bring boats or (preferably) you can bring your own- if it’s properly fitted.

Normal pool stuff like either goggles and nose plugs or else a dive mask; some pool attire to keep you warm like a shorty wetsuit; plus the usual stuff you would bring to go swimming.