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Reverse sweep roll with paddle behind neck

Kingukkut TunusummilluguA: The setup for this roll is very similar to the standard reverse sweep roll. Twist clockwise hook the right end of the paddle over the stern. Hold the paddle behind your neck. Your palms should face forward (The way you are looking).B: Roll...

Standard roll with paddle behind neck

Siukkut TunusummilluguWhen learning this roll I really had to stretch out to rotate my core, good flexibility is key to getting a great set up to start this roll. A: Start by placing the paddle behind your neck extended out towards your right side reach up and back...

Vertical sculling roll

Qiperuussineq Paatit AmmorluinnnaqThe vertical sculling roll is a forward finishing roll where the paddler does an inverted scull with the paddle in the same fashion as the foredeck sculling roll and the under the hull sculling roll.Video link:...

Armpit roll or Shotgun roll

Paatip Kallua Tuermillugu IlluinnarmikDespite the name this roll is not performed with the paddle in the armpit, its synonym “shotgun” makes more sense as the paddle should be positioned with the end on the right side of your chest just where a shot gun butt would sit...

Paddle held behind back

Kingup Apummaatigut

Reverse Sweep roll

Kingumut Naatillugu - (holding the paddle) pointed/touching aftNot only does this roll look really impressive, it also is very powerful. It is a sweep roll starting from behind and finishing forward. It was also the first roll I learned where you roll in backwards...

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Qajaq Rolls is dedicated to passing on the traditional art of Greenland kayaking. Greenland kayak rolling can be a relaxing, yoga-like exercise. Rolling is also a tremendously valuable self-rescue technique, and should be the go-to recovery for any serious kayaker. Greenland kayak rolls are steeped in the history of the Inuit people, whose very survival depended upon their ability to roll up and recover while hunting. But Greenland kayaking encompasses much more than just rolling, qajaq building, paddle carving, throwing the harpoon and rope gymnastics are just some of the many skills that make up this ancient subsistence culture. If you are interested in learning more about all aspects of Greenland kayaking consider supporting Qajaq USA and Qaannat Katuffiat:

Qajaq USA is a nonprofit membership organization that is officially recognized by Qaannat Kattuffiat (The Greenland Kayaking Association). Qajaq USA is committed to supporting Qaannat Kattuffiat and their efforts to preserve, study and promote the traditions and techniques of Greenland kayaking while seeking to further the appreciation and development of Greenland-style kayaking in the United States.
Please consider joining Qajaq USA and supporting the organizations efforts.

If you are looking to prepare yourself your equipment and then learn your first roll please follow this link to a series of articles put together to help people get started: Getting your first roll. Nothing beats in person training, especially one-on-one training. If you are looking for mentoring check out the Qajaq USA Events where you can become immersed in the culture of traditional paddling.

Free Guidebook and DVD

Rolling with Sticks® started as a project to document the progress I was making as I learned the different Greenland style kayak rolls. This work evolved into the water proof guidebook and DVD. The project has paid for the costs of production so I decided to make them freely available for download in English, español – Spanish and 中文 – Chinese. Please download and share them with your paddling friends, and help to promote the art of Greenland rolling.