Winter Pool Rolling

Winter pool rolling ’09 – ’10:

+ includes playboat class
++ includes Advanced Rolling

Winter is an ideal time to learn and practice basic boating skills all in the security and comfort of an indoor heated swimming pool!  You can be practicing the basics of rolling while the snow is falling outdoors.

Our in-the-boat exercises, teaching progressions and individual feedback will all help you build the skills and absolute comfort needed for when the Spring season starts. Pool classes are offered most Saturday’s, November through May.

Rolling for 1st timers: Learning to roll is a great first step in learning to kayak.  You will first develop comfort getting in and out of your boat and building a powerful hip snap.  This is a first step toward learning any kayak roll and future kayaking skills.

Indoor Pool Rolling: For those who have taken the 1st timers class or other paddling lessons and are continuing to work on getting your roll to work.  Here we break down the steps for your kayak roll. You will focus on paddle and body position and get plenty of practice with the support of an experienced instructor.

Advanced: If you already have a flatwater roll, moving water, or a combat roll, we can help you develop it to be even stronger through our series of advanced rolling exercises.  Imagine being upside down in an odd position and being able to recover with any roll you wish!  Work on your off-side and hand rolls, and stress test your roll with expert guidance.  Know the difference between C-to-C, Sweep, back deck rolls and rodeo rolls learn how to perform them. Available poolside video analysis gives you valuable feedback.

Playboating: If you can count on your roll, and enjoy capsizing at will, you are now ready to appreciate playboating. With the help of friendly suggestions, you can begin to experiment with the basic rodeo moves. Nothing will help you be at home on the water more than joining in a play session. Playboat classes can be arranged during our pool sessions by request.  Need a minimum of 3, max of 6 to hold a class. Regular class rates apply.

Open rolling: If you just want to practice on your own, you can come to an Open Rolling Practice Session. See prices below.

Who: Everyone who is a competant swimmer can benefit from pool rolling practice.  Beginners can learn the basics to develop a reliable roll.  Advanced paddlers and intermediates can focus on off-side rolls, hand-rolls and other techniques to improve reliability in all conditions. Those interested in taking the sport to the next step to improve balance and strength, should try rodeo.

Where and when: 5:00 to 7:00 PM Saturdays at the Lab School, November through May.

What to bring: Classes include equipment rental. You can bring your own boat and equipment. Please wash your boat out thoroughly prior to entering the pool. You should also bring a bathing suit and towel. You may wish to bring noseclips or goggles and a fleece or polypropylene top in case you get chilly.

Costs: For adults, the cost of a single instructional lesson is $60, which includes the cost for the pool, equipment, and instruction. A package of three instructional lessons is $150 ($50 each).
For youth, a package of 6 lessons is available for $150. 
Open rolling practice sessions: $20 for single session, season pass (16 sessions) for $170. Pay one fee in advance, but please use registration system to register for each session or call the Office before coming). 
Equipment rental for an open session is $20 per session for a boat, skirt, paddle, pfd and helmet. (Free for instructional class participants.)

Prerequisites: Being a comfortable swimmer.

To Register: Consult the calendar for dates, then go to our registration page to sign up.