Winter Pool Rolling

Winter pool rolling 2011 – 12:

Please contact the office if you are interested in advanced or play boating lessons.

CHECK OUT OUR SEASON PASS (below)

Winter is an ideal time to learn to roll a kayak 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 – all will help you build the skills and absolute comfort needed for when the spring season starts. Adult class size ratio is 3 students to 1 instructor.  Youth is 6 to 1. Pool classes are offered select Saturdays, November through May. Please consult the Calendar.

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 in a “wet-exit” and building a powerful “hip-snap.”   This is fundamental to learning every type of kayak roll.

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

Advanced: Stress test your roll with expert guidance.  Imagine being upside down in an odd position and being able to recover from any situation or position!  If you already have a flat water roll, moving water, or a combat roll, we can help you develop it to be even stronger through our series of advanced rolling exercises.   Available poolside video analysis gives you valuable feedback.

Play-boating: If you can count on your roll,  and enjoy capsizing at will,  you are ready to appreciate play-boating. With the help of friendly suggestions, you can begin to experiment with the basic rodeo moves. Nothing will help you more to be at home in the water than joining in a play-boat session.

Open rolling: If you just want to practice on your own, you can come to an Open Rolling Practice Session.  A Season Pass is available.   Please see prices below.

Who: Everyone who is a competent 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 play-boating.

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

What to bring: Classes include equipment rental, however you can bring your own boat and equipment if you prefer.  Please wash your boat out thoroughly prior to entering the pool. You should also bring a bathing suit and towel.  It is recommended that you wear a fleece or polypropylene top.  You may wish to bring nose clips or goggles.

Costs: For adults, the cost of a single instructional lesson is $75, which includes the cost for the pool, equipment, and instruction.   A package of three instructional lessons is $195 ($65 each).

For youth, a package of 6 lessons is available for $180.

Open rolling practice sessions: $20 for single session.   A Season Pass is available for $160 (14 sessions). 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, life-jacket and helmet.  (Equipment for instructional classes are included in the price of the class.)

Prerequisites: Being a competent swimmer.

To Register: Consult the calendar for dates, then sign up on our registration system (button to the right).