The Hand Roll: How to Roll Your Kayak Without a Paddle

Published 2023-10-25
There are a lot of ways to hand roll, and this only includes one or two of them, but my goal here is to give you a foundation for learning the skill on your own using a technique that works.

You can also learn with hand paddles and webbed gloves if you need to get the motion down. Just be sure to focus more on a good hip snap (aka knee drive) as a priority.

If you're still working on the regular roll, make sure you master that one before you attempt rolling without a paddle. Here's a link:
   • How to Roll Your Kayak - Pro Advice o...  

All Comments (14)
  • @ethandunlop0412
    Having a hand roll has saved me on multiple occasions. I learned it before a paddle roll and practice it every time I’m in the water. It’s a great skill to have in your back pocket
  • @shenanigoon2K
    Hell yeah! I used the window wiper today and nailed most of my hand rolls, thanks for another awesome instructional
  • Excellent. The posture of hands to face is new to me. And the cross hands on the Cockpit rim. I'm finding your teaching to be very good for what I'm looking for. I value it a great deal. I appreciate that you're doing it.
  • @comic8124
    I DID IT!!! After weeks and weeks of rewatching your advice I was final able to roll my Scorch… my buddy then let me try his play boat and boom straight up. Probably the technique I’m guessing, but is it easier in a short boat? Thank you and hope you are well.
  • @rocketresi7093
    Great vid again!!! Did the "Edge Control " today at the Lake ..super super helpful and fun. Thx for teaching !!
  • @dalemorgan8097
    Loving the videos. I’ve been waiting for this one a while :) Thank you!
  • @ustotz
    Thank you for your detailed explanation of the hand roll. 😃👍
  • The older I get, the stiffer I get. Makes this move more difficult. But, I can still do it, most of the time, LOL.
  • @leoburns9674
    It is a great series of videos… However… What if the kayak is longer i.e. a 17 sea kayak? I would love to see your video and a longer boat ! 😊👍
  • @yourexperiencetoday6858 Setting up a kayak seems to be a mystery. As beginners, we have no idea what our feet position should look like. Do our knees push against the knee braces all the time or when we engage. Do we slide the knee brace forward or back? We all purchased Pyranha Scorch stout 2 2023 boats but are struggling with fit, not because they feel good or bad, we don't know if it is correct and safe or all wrong. Any help will be appreciated.
  • @b5yuwu672
    Is a no-hand roll possible? Like just using the momentum of going under combined with the hip snap?
  • @TheNorwoodCat
    in 12 yrs of kayaking I have never properly learned this. I have tried on my own many times, but never succeeded,.