The long road to the role. An encouragement.

Even though it annoyed me a bit that my little sister sailed many places and rivers in front of me (😘), paddling was already a lot of fun for me back then.
What my little sister also mastered before me was the Eskimo roll. Actually, we learned the role more or less at the same time in the winter in the swimming pool. It capsized for the first time shortly afterwards at Easter and rolled up without any problems. For me, it was to be another five years until my first Whitewater Roll last. This was basically not a problem, because (although I was paddling a lot) I only capsized once a year.

At that time, I paddled the lower Ötztaler Ache, the Devil's Gorge in Lofer or the Brandenberger Ache including the Kaiserklamm without falling over. I was brutally good at not falling over back then! Of course, I decided to roll at that time, should it be necessary. And of course, not rolling has always left me with a certain amount of uncertainty in the back of my mind.

"I was brutally good at not falling over back then!"

Then, five years, five swimmers and thousands of paddles later, the time had come: my first Whitewater Roll! I remember that I had talked to a friend up in the eddy about finally making the role. Out of the eddy and poof, the Venter Ache pushed me over. Zack! Rolled up and beaming into the eddy, where I euphorically talked about my first role. The good friend who was sitting there at the time asked:

Him: "Rolled for the first time today?"
Me: "No!"
Him: "This weekend?"
Me: "No!!"
Him: "This year??"
Me: "Nope, in my life!!"

He looked at me incredulously. He had never noticed that, although we had been together on the Ötztaler Ache, Brandy and Co.

In critical situations and when it really mattered, I have been rolling since that moment. When I did swim, it was usually directly into the eddy or when the part was more or less over. Funny, isn't it?! When I think about where I've been paddling, I'm pretty proud of the fact that I've never had a stupid swimmer. But I've also always been rather cautious on the road.

I realized that I really wanted the role and had to believe in my ability.

The fact that the knot would have burst with my role is something I can only see – if at all – more than 10 years after my first Whitewater Roll say. Since I was at Zambezi in 2021, the role has worked much better and I have noticed that I have to want it very badly and believe in my ability. Then at least the chances are much better. 😉 In addition, I was forced to practice in the heavy water – that must have done me good. It was always clear to me that practicing would have helped, but I didn't want to get my head wet. In the swimming pool or when I rolled on purpose, I have also been able to roll super for over 15 years now.
As a result, 2022 was the first year I never swam. I never managed to do that in the 23 years of paddling before.

So, if you're one of those who can't do everything right away: don't be discouraged, go your own way and have fun paddling! In my case, the non-rolling has led to a very safe non-tipping over paddling style, which is clearly very positive. I've also made it to impressive rivers in many parts of the world.

PS: At the moment I've been practicing undercutting for a loooong time. Let's see how long it will take me this time until I can really do 😅 it, because I'm sure I'll get it done eventually. As with the role, the only thing that helps here is practice, practice, practice, get good tips and above all: don't get discouraged!