How to BACK DECK ROLL!

[@jamiefrompaddle365]

I love the constant perfect demos throughout the chat. instant classic

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Thanks Jamie. Too kind!

[@WhitewaterOutdoors]

Finally I’ve been waiting forever for a BDR video that isn’t done in a playboat! I watch these videos about the BDR and hop in my 9’ creeker and try it and it’s not even the same as in a playboat it looks so effortless but in a bigger boat it looks and feels so much harder/different

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Well, I'm glad to provide something that hopefully helps. Regardless of the boat you use, no roll should feel like a tremendous effort - keep trying and it will become smooth.

[@WhitewaterOutdoors]

@@MatthewBrookKayaking thanks Matthew I appreciate the advice it was a great video!

[@kovacikayak]

It is definitely “harder” in a bigger boat, in that if you don’t do it with proper form, it won’t work, and you will likely resort to force. It requires more focus on carrying out the fundamental movements ALL the way with full extension and you need to be sure to not rush. In a playboat you can get away with more as far as rolling form inconsistencies go.

[@WhitewaterOutdoors]

@@kovacikayak Yeah that totally makes sense! I think I just need to keep trying I can see how it would work with force, I just haven’t gotten it yet, but your right it’s most definitely my form not being proper that is probably holding me back and I’m sure I’m overcompensating for lack of form with force too. It just looks so easy in a playboat (which I don’t own). But then again I did watch someone do it effortlessly in a giant sea kayak too lol so I guess it definitely can be done!

[@kyran4238]

Very well defended, explained and demonstrated. So true that the nearest roll position is the best. Insisting that it is safer to reposition from the back of the deck to the front to perform a roll is madness.

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Thank you. Glad you resonate with it.

[@stalak]

Bought a ripper II for upcoming season. Would be good to learn back deck on swimming pool through winter ;)

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Nice. Enjoy!

[@yru435]

Totally agree about the face safety. Only if the paddler does not attempt to stay near the surface could this be a problem.

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Absolutely. Of course there is a risk, but I think it has been vastly exaggerated in the past.

[@ctumbles74]

As always, fantastic. Thanks Matthew. 🤙🏻

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

My pleasure. Thanks Chris.

[@JosephFinlay-i4z]

Excellent. Thanks.

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

My pleasure. Glad you're enjoying it. More tutorials on the way soon!

[@42memento]

One more great tutorial!) Thank you! One of these days I will practice your recommendations. I've done this element before, but it was more of a mixture of the entry movement from the backdeck roll and the regular roll.

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Thank you. I think the movement you describe is very common for people learning the backdeck roll, essentially using the backdeck element as a means of returning to their normal set-up for a roll.

[@lunarfusilier1]

Grand, that ironed out a few questions, thanks.

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

My pleasure! Glad to be of use!

[@4JudgeSmails]

Matt, as it relates to this move, what do you think could be learned from the single-blade paddlers? I see a version of this used as a primary role from guys that C1; Landon Miller comes to mind as some I see often. I know in tutorials, people try not to confuse and cross-pollinate too many ideas, but I wonder if there's something worth mentioning from the canoe paddle perspective. Or is their leverage just so much different due to being on their knees?

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

I definitely think there's significant and valid crossover in this specific move. You can do a back deck roll using the reverse face of the blade a.l.a. C1 and many of the torso motions are relatable. Yes, there is a distinction due to the C1 paddler being on their knees, but I would argue there are more similarities than differences. I have no doubt that practising C1 would aid the learning process of this move; it is no small part of the reason I choose to roll this way so commonly.

[@maxwrayadventures]

Great tutorial 👍

[@ChristianMarten-s6y]

hi matt what is the best head position when coming up looking down at the blade or up as in stephens clips thanks

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Hi Christian. Great question. I would always suggest keeping your forehead down as long as possible, because raising the chin too early can lead to your hip/knee snap being less effective.

[@trifilmer]

Excellent, but one thing I have experienced in trying to do a backdeck is stalling out as I rotate my upper body, also and the motion of pulling the lower knee towards my body and what does the other knee do? Push away? Thanks

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Thanks for the comment. What do you mean by stalling out? Like getting stuck? If so, where exactly in the rotation? As to the knees, yes, it is an inversion of their respective upside-down position, so the upper knee pushes over and away.

[@DANNIEGRIFFITHS]

Nice tutorial

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@stuartreedsadventures]

It’s one thing I just can’t get. Going to see if can find local coach to help - it’s quick is what I like

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

It seems it's something loads of people struggle with. Good idea to seek local coaching - nothing better than hands-on time with an expert!

[@stuartreedsadventures]

@@MatthewBrookKayaking A lot of years of muscle memory too, the go to is screw roll. Other sports I partake in say need to retrain the brain

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

I get that! Rewiring our brains requires a lot of work and sometimes external help can be incredibly beneficial.

[@Stewartthorp]

What paddle is that? thanks

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

It's a RivrStyx paddle, made by Jim Snyder.

[@DavidAllen-lq5uh]

At one point near the end you talk about moving your “near side and far side knees”. I don’t find this clear. Near to what?

[@MatthewBrookKayaking]

Sorry for the lack of clarity. Near side in the sense of the knee currently nearest to the side you are leaning out/the active blade; far side the furthest away from the side you are leaning. Hope that helps.