: I too learned a C to C roll, from whitewater paddling. So I have my
: bias.

: When you're upside down, for a C to C roll, you set-up with you
: nose to the deck and paddle at the water surface,

: sweep paddle and body out to 90˚, then thrust straight down on the
: paddle,

: spin the boat upward (like rolling a log) using your hips/knee
: contact with the boat, this rolling boat momentum helps pull you
: up

: and you end by swinging your body back over the front deck with
: your nose to the deck again.

: This starting with the nose to the deck (your body looked at from
: the side makes a C shape) to ending with your nose to the deck
: (second C) is way it's called a C to C roll.

: Most men use muscle to do a C to C roll instead of remembering to
: bring their nose back to the deck. This means when they get
: tired they loose their roll.
: If you learn and remember to bring your nose back to the deck at
: the end of the roll it should be no more difficult than a lay
: back roll.

: The idea with the nose to the deck and the lay back is to bring
: your body weight as close to the center of the boat as possible
: so the boat will roll faster, just like
: when skaters doing a spin bring their arms to their chest to
: increase the speed of their spin.

: I feel the big advantage with the C to C roll (if you learn to do
: it right) is that you come up ready go right into a forward
: stroke and stabilize yourself.
: Greenlanders have a Storm roll that is the same as a C to C roll.
: Why do you think they call it a "Storm" roll?

: I don't plan on rolling much when I'm out paddling but I figure
: it's going to be pretty stormy if I'm going to need a roll. I'd
: rather have one roll I can count on, learn to the point that no
: thought is involved and be done with it. I want to paddle not
: roll.

: Now I admit all those Greenland rolls are cool, ONCE, but unless
: you mean to hunt seals, you are just trying to impress chicks. I
: guess I'm just getting to old to get sucked up in the
: competitive "guy thing".

: If you know all these rolls, the question is what do you do when
: you really get knocked over? Are you hanging upside down there
: thinking, "Lets see, do I go for the paddle behind the head
: roll, the hand roll, or the tongue roll?"

: I'm sorry, forgive me, I said this was my bias. I'm trying to be a
: bit funny but obviously we're all here to have fun, to if
: rolling in a hundred ways floats you boat GREAT!

: BUT you also need to know there are equipment differences implicit
: in choosing a roll style.

: To do lay back rolls you need a low flat rear deck, many kayaks
: also have recessed rear cockpit coamings, which all allow you to
: lift you butt off the seat and lay on the stern deck. So we're
: talking about a low to extremely low volume kayak with a very
: tiny seat backrest. Certainly there are levels of boat design
: which make lay back rolls more or less easy. And real Greenland
: nuts ( I mean enthusiasts) do not wear PFDs but that big black
: condom they call a "tuilik" which allows them to get
: really next to the stern deck.

: Lazy old man that I am, I like a higher volume hull with room to be
: comfortable and a higher backrest. I can do a C to C roll when I
: need to, and be comfortable paddling the rest of the time. I
: like to impress women by staying upright. I use a native style
: Aleut paddle to roll, so there's no reason you can't do a C to C
: roll with a Greenland stick.

: Please, no seals were harmed in the conception of this posting, and
: I hope my Greenland rolling friends will not use me for harpoon
: practice.

: All the best,
: Rob

Hi Rob et al.

Thanks for the posts. I now think what I learned was a C to C roll.
Have a "lowish" rear deck and recessed cockpit plus a choice of home made paddle types,
so I'll try a couple of different roll styles, (when the weather warms up!)
The wife says that I won't even impress the seals, so no chance with the chicks!
Like you Rob my main intention is to stay upright.
Les C.