Screw roll

This is one of the most commonly used types of Eskimo roll. Like most rolls, this can be broken down into three phases: (1) the setup, (2) the sweep, and (3) the hip snap. Lets look at each one.

[edit] 1. The setup

For the sake of this discussion, assume you roll up on your left side. The Setup position is assumed once you are upside down. You lean forward and reach forward with your left arm to put the paddle along side the upside-down boat's left side. Ideally, you want the paddle at the surface of the water. When learning to roll, its sometimes helpful to slap the water with your paddle just to be sure you are all the way on the surface.

[edit] 2. The sweep

The goal here is to sweep the paddle out away from the boat using the lift to bring your body to the surface of the water and start the roll. The paddle blade must have a slightly positive angle of attack so it will not dive. In the sweep roll, you continue the sweeping motion throughout the roll.

[edit] 3. the hip snap

In a sweep roll, the hip snap is a slow motion rolling of your butt to bring the boat upright. You start as soon as the sweep is established and continue as the paddle sweeps through 90 degrees. The Sweep and the hip-snap happen together and the paddler follows through typically with a pronounced lean on the rear deck.

When learning this roll --- or any other roll --- don't get caught up on the details. The goal of every roll is the same. You want to use the motion of your hips to roll the boat underneath your body. The upper body comes up last with a side-to-side lean or across the rear deck. The paddle motion should just help get the roll started with the real rolling energy comeing from the hips.

A good reference book for this or any other roll is The Bomb Proof Roll And Beyond by Paul Dutky.