Everyone teaches rolling in their own personal way.  Over the years I’ve learned that as instructors we need to be flexible. While we all may begin with a mental outline that serves us well most of the time, we quickly adjust that outline to fit each individuals needs.  Take Helen Wilson for example.. With this student she thought it would help if she dressed up like a big yellow and blue bunny rabbit… 

Diane Carr, one of my favorite rolling coaches in the whole wide room, enjoys having her students hug a bloated animal skin…  Actually the poor black headless hide with four stubby little legs is called an “Avatok” modeled after seal skin floats once used in Greenland.  The float allows students a little extra boost as they learn to recover their kayaks.

Roy likes to sell the “salsa hip”.  Of course I just think he holds students over and threatens to let them go if they don’t hand over all  of their money.

Here’s Helen again demonstrating that there is no need to wear a skirt when you balance brace.  In truth, she does this to allow students to see how the upper leg is not active during the brace. She can practically take the upper leg out of the cockpit while still maintaining her brace.  I’m impressed with the free and easy way Helen coaches.

Here is Diane again reassuring her student after making her cry. Diane is a very demanding coach…

Well, no.. actually Diane shows a particular connection and sensitivity to her students which is a joy to watch.  You can get a sense of that here.   In this case, I worked with this woman at WMCKA not long ago, and Diane finished the job today.  Nice to see those first clean, wonderful rolls!! Since I’m always teasing Diane every time I get a chance, I figured now was as good of a time as any to give her her props as well.

Related Posts:

1. Tangents & Waves
2. Brace, Force, Dink
3. Then Jesus Said, . .
4. Qajaq Rolls
5. Arms Down