The Standard Greenland Qajaq Roll
The Inuit call this roll Kinnguffik
paarlallugu/nerfallaallugu. It simply means
that the kayaker rolls and comes up on the
other side of their kayak while they lay on their
back. Start tucked forward, finish leaning aft,
and recover to start position. During a
competition, the qajaq roller is permitted to
finish in a low brace, sweeping forward.
Two points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: All-purpose roll. This roll is
very easy on the body yet very powerful.
The Inuit call this roll Kinnguffik
paarlallugu/nerfallaallugu. It simply means
that the kayaker rolls and comes up on the
other side of their kayak while they lay on their
back. Start tucked forward, finish leaning aft,
and recover to start position. During a
competition, the qajaq roller is permitted to
finish in a low brace, sweeping forward.
Two points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: All-purpose roll. This roll is
very easy on the body yet very powerful.
The Reverse Sweep Roll
The Inuit call this roll Kingumut naatillugu.
It simply means that the kayaker sweeps the
paddle from stern to bow in a low brace, and
finishes in a tucked forward position. You do
not need to return to the original setup
position upon recovery.
Three points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: This is a very popular roll in
Greenland. This technique admits very little
water into the cockpit even with a skirt open at
the top.
The Inuit call this roll Kingumut naatillugu.
It simply means that the kayaker sweeps the
paddle from stern to bow in a low brace, and
finishes in a tucked forward position. You do
not need to return to the original setup
position upon recovery.
Three points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: This is a very popular roll in
Greenland. This technique admits very little
water into the cockpit even with a skirt open at
the top.
| Storm Roll |
| A Video is coming soon. |
The Qajaq Storm Roll
The Inuit call this roll Siukkut
pallortillugu/masikkut. It simply means that
the kayaker rolls leaning forward and comes
up tucked forward. Start tucked forward,
finish tucked forward. The inboard hand stays
in contact with the deck/hull throughout the roll
and the paddle is often levered off the hull
during the hipsnap. This is a low brace roll
(palms down). There is a misconception that
this roll must be performed in a combat
(non-extended) paddle position. Like all of
the rolls, you can extend the paddle as much
or as little as you wish.
Three points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Excellent roll in high winds;
brings you up in a very stable, strong position.
The Inuit call this roll Siukkut
pallortillugu/masikkut. It simply means that
the kayaker rolls leaning forward and comes
up tucked forward. Start tucked forward,
finish tucked forward. The inboard hand stays
in contact with the deck/hull throughout the roll
and the paddle is often levered off the hull
during the hipsnap. This is a low brace roll
(palms down). There is a misconception that
this roll must be performed in a combat
(non-extended) paddle position. Like all of
the rolls, you can extend the paddle as much
or as little as you wish.
Three points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Excellent roll in high winds;
brings you up in a very stable, strong position.
The Armpit Roll / Shotgun Roll
The Inuit call this roll Paatip kallua
tuermillugu illuinnarmik. It simply means that
the kayaker uses only one arm to roll with the
paddle touching their shoulder. For the setup,
the paddle tip is pressed against your chest
near your armpit (but not under your armpit).
The paddle is swept palm-up with one arm.
The lift and buoyancy from the extended
paddle powers this roll, no hipsnap is
necessary. Keep the paddle in your "armpit"
until you sit-upright. You do not need to return
to the initial setup position.
Three points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Recover with something
held in the hand, or if a is hand injured, or
entangled with line.
The Inuit call this roll Paatip kallua
tuermillugu illuinnarmik. It simply means that
the kayaker uses only one arm to roll with the
paddle touching their shoulder. For the setup,
the paddle tip is pressed against your chest
near your armpit (but not under your armpit).
The paddle is swept palm-up with one arm.
The lift and buoyancy from the extended
paddle powers this roll, no hipsnap is
necessary. Keep the paddle in your "armpit"
until you sit-upright. You do not need to return
to the initial setup position.
Three points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Recover with something
held in the hand, or if a is hand injured, or
entangled with line.
| Hand Rolling |
| A Video is coming soon. |
There are three qajaq norsaq rolling
maneuvers preformed during a Qajaq rolling
Competition.
This video shows the use of the norsaq also
known as a throwing stick beginning a roll in
the tucked forward position and ending
leaning aft. In Inuit, this roll is called Norsamik
nerfallaallugu. Your sweeping hand must be
palm-up during the roll. In execution, this roll
is very similar to the "armpit" roll. You may
"throw" your off-hand over the hull on recovery.
In a competition, you must sit-upright to win
points but you do not need to return to the
original setup position.
Six points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Recovery without paddle
maneuvers preformed during a Qajaq rolling
Competition.
This video shows the use of the norsaq also
known as a throwing stick beginning a roll in
the tucked forward position and ending
leaning aft. In Inuit, this roll is called Norsamik
nerfallaallugu. Your sweeping hand must be
palm-up during the roll. In execution, this roll
is very similar to the "armpit" roll. You may
"throw" your off-hand over the hull on recovery.
In a competition, you must sit-upright to win
points but you do not need to return to the
original setup position.
Six points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Recovery without paddle
There are five qajaq hand rolling maneuvers
preformed during a Qajaq rolling Competition.
This video shows a hand-rolling maneuver
beginning in the tucked forward position and
ending leaning aft. In Inuit, this roll is called
Assammik nerfallaallugu. Your sweeping
hand must be palm-up during the roll. In
execution, this roll is very similar to the
"armpit" roll. You may "throw" your off-hand
over the hull on recovery. In a competition,
you must sit-upright to win points but you do
not need to return to the original setup
position.
Seven points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Recovery without paddle or
throwing stick (norsaq)
preformed during a Qajaq rolling Competition.
This video shows a hand-rolling maneuver
beginning in the tucked forward position and
ending leaning aft. In Inuit, this roll is called
Assammik nerfallaallugu. Your sweeping
hand must be palm-up during the roll. In
execution, this roll is very similar to the
"armpit" roll. You may "throw" your off-hand
over the hull on recovery. In a competition,
you must sit-upright to win points but you do
not need to return to the original setup
position.
Seven points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Recovery without paddle or
throwing stick (norsaq)
The Crook of Elbow Roll
The Inuit call this roll
Pakassummillugu/unermillugu.
It simply means that the kayaker holds the
paddle between their bicep and forearm. The
inboard hand grasps the paddle blade as per
a standard roll, outboard hand holds the
paddle clamped in the elbow. After rolling,
the kayaker must return to initial setup
position with the paddle still held in the crook
of your arm.
Three points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Recover with something
held in the hand, or with one hand injured or
entangled with line.
The Inuit call this roll
Pakassummillugu/unermillugu.
It simply means that the kayaker holds the
paddle between their bicep and forearm. The
inboard hand grasps the paddle blade as per
a standard roll, outboard hand holds the
paddle clamped in the elbow. After rolling,
the kayaker must return to initial setup
position with the paddle still held in the crook
of your arm.
Three points when preformed on each side.
History/Purpose: Recover with something
held in the hand, or with one hand injured or
entangled with line.
Swim with a kayak
I have not discovered what the Inuit words are
for swimming with one’s qajaq; however, it is
a common skill to minimize a kayaker’s need
to wet exit from their kayak.
This video shows Jeff throwing away his
paddle, then swimming to it, and rolling.
Learning this skill improves a kayaker’s
patience and breath control. Moreover,
beyond being a showstopper for unexpected
onlookers, swimming with your qajaq is a
great way to push the limits of exploring the
world between being upright and upside-
down.
I have not discovered what the Inuit words are
for swimming with one’s qajaq; however, it is
a common skill to minimize a kayaker’s need
to wet exit from their kayak.
This video shows Jeff throwing away his
paddle, then swimming to it, and rolling.
Learning this skill improves a kayaker’s
patience and breath control. Moreover,
beyond being a showstopper for unexpected
onlookers, swimming with your qajaq is a
great way to push the limits of exploring the
world between being upright and upside-
down.
| The Greenlandic Term of each roll, its English translation, and its explanation is courtesy of Birgit Pauksztat from the Qajaq USA website. For a list of more rolls with Birgit Pauksztat’s translation and explanation, go to http://www.qajaqusa.org/QK/rolls/rolls.html Tuktu Paddles makers of Traditional Greenland paddles, in Oceanville NJ, proudly provides and sponsors ACA BCK Instructor Jeff Fabiszewski with all of his paddles. |
| Windows Media Player and QuickTime Player support the videos linked to this page. |
Paddling Upside Down
The Inuit call this roll
Pusilluni paarneq.
The name of this maneuver literally describes
what the person does in their qajaq. The
person travels forward in a straight line while
capsized in a tucked position.
One point for the first 3 meters, 1 point for
each additional 2 meters traveled
History/Purpose: This maneuver builds boat
control, breath, and flexibility.
The Inuit call this roll
Pusilluni paarneq.
The name of this maneuver literally describes
what the person does in their qajaq. The
person travels forward in a straight line while
capsized in a tucked position.
One point for the first 3 meters, 1 point for
each additional 2 meters traveled
History/Purpose: This maneuver builds boat
control, breath, and flexibility.
Quick Succession of Standard Rolls
The Inuit call this roll
Nerfallarlugu assakaaneq.
This is one of the most active and fun rolls to
watch. The kayaker quickly rolls and comes
up on the other side of their kayak while they
lay on their back multiple times. Start tucked
forward, finish leaning aft, and repeat.
One point for each roll completed within 10
sec, you must complete a minimun of three
rolls to receive any points.
History/Purpose: This maneuver builds boat
control, breath, and flexibility.
The Inuit call this roll
Nerfallarlugu assakaaneq.
This is one of the most active and fun rolls to
watch. The kayaker quickly rolls and comes
up on the other side of their kayak while they
lay on their back multiple times. Start tucked
forward, finish leaning aft, and repeat.
One point for each roll completed within 10
sec, you must complete a minimun of three
rolls to receive any points.
History/Purpose: This maneuver builds boat
control, breath, and flexibility.
Liquid Rhythm Kayaking.com
| The School of Liquid Rhythm Kayaking is a unique kayaking school that offers kayak and qajaq classes, kayak surfing classes, kayak trips, and kayak instruction clinics, to all people regardless of age, limited flexibility, or disability, in Tampa Bay Clearwater FL. Copyright © 2006 The School of Liquid Rhythm Kayaking, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |
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| Greenland Kayak Class - Self Recovery Techniques Learn the Basics of Greenland Qajaq recovery techniques in the warm waters in Tampa Bay Florida with Jeff Fabiszewski. If you would like to schedule a private or group class please use the Contact Us Link. |
| Greenland Qajaq Classes are a specialty classes that teaches people an ancient style of paddling. We offer five different types of classes |
Traditional Greenland Kayak Self Recovery Course Information
What to Bring
Course Fee
- Novice through expert paddlers will learn about different traditional recoveries in a variety
of conditions and their historical purposes in kayaking. Participants will develop balance
and confidence in techniques that can reduce fatigue and will help to enable the paddler
to relax into a prolonged state of therapeutic meditation while exploring the unique world
between being upright and capsized. Jeff teaches more than eight unique recovery skills.
Learn either the Standard Greenland Qajaq Roll, Reverse Sweep Roll, Storm Roll, Armpit
Roll aka Shotgun Roll, a Throwing Stick Roll aka Norsaq Roll, Hand Roll, Crook of Elbow
Roll, and how to swim with your kayak and roll if your paddle should getaway from you.
What to Bring
- Bring your own qajaq paddle, kayak, spray skirt, and PFD, or let us know if you need
equipment. Although most sea kayaks respond successfully to traditional techniques,
some perform better than others do, such as those that are narrow (23” or less), low-
volume, with a low stern deck. I recommend the following kayaks for this class. A secure-
fitting spray skirt is important. Some traditional paddles will be available. Dress
comfortably and bring layers appropriate to the day's weather. For rolling practice in
cooler weather I recommend using a wet suit or dry suit (or dry top). Participants should
bring a picnic lunch. Other handy items include a water bottle, sun block, a strap for
glasses, and nose clips (though we have a few extras to loan).
Course Fee
- The $30 course fee is payable upon registration. This amount includes instruction,
insurance, resource materials, and snacks and beverages during breaks.
It does not include all equipment; rental fees may apply for boats.
