Once you’ve developed a reliable Back Deck Roll on flatwater, the next challenge is taking that skill into moving water.

In this taster lesson from the “Back Deck Roll” section of our “Rolling course”, we look at how to progress your Back Deck Roll into the river safely and effectively, rather than expecting the skill to automatically work when you suddenly find yourself upside down in moving water.

We’ll look at:

• How to test your Back Deck Roll in the eddy before heading into the flow.
• Choosing a suitable section of moving water to practise in.
• Using the flow of the river to help create the Back Deck Roll movement.
• How the position of your paddle blade can affect the roll.
• Dealing with eddy lines, boils and other features that can make the roll more challenging.
• Using your momentum and moving with the flow to reduce pressure on the kayak.
• Why having your standard roll as a safety net is important while developing the skill.
• Using the Reverse Screw as another useful progression for rolling in the flow.