In this video, a playboater demonstrates the backdeck rodeo roll. As you can see from the smoothness and fluidity of the roll, the Hi-N-Dry works with him to make this an easier roll. We also discuss the safety concerns of a backdeck roll vs a tucked c-to-c roll. A c-to-c roll whilst tucking forward exposes the top of the head to rocks and poses a spinal cord injury risk. For those familiar with football, colliding with a rock while tucked forward will be the equivalent of an illegal spear tackle which can paralyze you. A backdeck roll is FAR safer in preventing injury in a whitewater situation due to its speed and minimal exposure to the rocks below. The only downside is exposure of the face to rocks. Such a collision of the face with rocks can be prevented by using the Hi-N-Dry as a face shield for the duration of the backdeck rodeo roll. This makes a backdeck rodeo roll while using the Hi-N-Dry the SAFEST roll for a whitewater kayaker by far because you have virtually no downside and zero risk of spinal injury (which can come from a tucked forward roll) or face exposure (which can come from a backdeck roll while not using a Hi-N-Dry).
Sea kayak backdeck roll demonstration:
Here I demonstrate the backdeck rodeo roll in a sea kayak while using a Hi-N-Dry rolling aid. It is my first time in a sea kayak and I found that rolling a sea kayak is as easy if not easier than rolling my whitewater kayak. All of the benefits of the foam float carried over nicely to sea kayak boating and I can definitely recommend purchasing one if you are a sea kayaker.
Teaching a beginner sea kayaker to backdeck roll:
Here I work with a sea kayaker who just learned to roll the weekend prior. I teach him to do the backdeck rodeo roll. After several attempts and explanations, he nails it. The Hi-N-Dry rolling aid he is using was a big help and made the learning process a lot easier.
