A
kayak roll (often referred to as an
Eskimo roll) is the act of righting a
capsized kayak by use of body motion and/or a
paddle. Typically this is done by lifting the torso towards the surface, flicking the hips to right the kayak, and applying a small force by means of the paddle to assist the torso back over the boat. The roll is an essential for paddlers who attempt serious
whitewater (
Class IV or greater), as exiting the boat and swimming gives the paddler less maneuverability and control, and thus leaves him/her more exposed than in the boat.