Guide to Eskimo Rolling Book

No, it's not an obscure arctic pastime involving pushing the natives down steep inclines as the title might have you believe! Devised by one of the greats in kayaking, Derek Hutchinson's Guide to Eskimo Rolling is a seriously in-depth look at how to survive--and even thrive--in the event of your canoe capsizing. Much traditional training in canoeing or kayaking only scratches the surface as far as this indispensable technique for righting yourself with the use of a paddle is concerned. The book looks at some 18 different rolling methods and tracks centuries of the history of this "art" prior to the skill arriving on British shores as recently as 1966. There's a brief look at how and why the Inuit people started to learn the technique as a necessary mainstay of their hunting and foraging lifestyle, putting this seemingly obscure skill in its traditional practical context. In addition to his skills Hutchinson is an expert instructor. He includes preparation exercises, advice and detailed diagrams on strokes and techniques for building confidence once the basics have been mastered. This makes the book suitable for beginner and expert alike. The anecdotal and humorous approach in explaining the early horrors Hutchinson experienced when learning to roll and the admiring descriptions of friends who had already mastered the art make the book a more entertaining read than the text-book status foisted upon it might indicate. And it's this, combined with information on all aspects of canoe safety which make the book indispensable to those who want to get serious about the sport of canoeing. --Tony MartinRead More