Greenland Balance Brace

This video demonstrates the Greenland Balance Brace technique. Concentrating on the basics of body position and movement when practicing this braces can greatly improve your ability to perform more advanced rolls.

Step by Step

A: Start with the paddle floating parallel to the kayak on the right side. Hold the paddle in the middle of the loom, palm up. Lie straight back on the aft deck. Keep your left arm stretched out to balance yourself.

B: Push your right knee hard against the deck. Relax your left leg. Slide your shoulder off the back deck into the water. Arch your back and push your head backwards. Keep your shoulders flat on the water's surface.

C: Once you are in balance, gently rotate your torso away from the boat.
Keep both arms outstretched. Hold the paddle away from the boat, behind your head. You should be able to rotate until you are perpendicular to the kayak.

D: To recover, rotate your torso toward the back of the boat. Maintain your shoulders flat and your head pressed backwards. At the last minute, push down on the paddle and lift your back onto the aft deck.
Keep your head low and in the water as long as possible.

The following related video shows a fun variation on the Balance Brace, taking a dip in the middle, allowing the kayak to roll fully over and then slowly righting it. This requires going from a convex spine position to a concave position and then back again. It helps teach how you can roll into a balance brace as you can use this technique when you are upside down as a result of a roll.

Credits:

Christopher Crowhurst (kayaker)   |  Boat: Tahe Marine Greenland kayak   |  Blade: Novorca

See more Greenland Rolling videos on www.qajaqrolls.com/