Pool Rolling Sessions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A ROLLING SESSION?

"Rolling" or "having a roll" are common terms used in the whitewater and sea kayaking communities. Rolling a kayak is a self rescue maneuver that is encouraged while on the water  if your kayak flips over. It is a skill that takes time to practice and master. PCC encourages winter practice sessions for both new and skilled paddlers to perfect techniques. 

DO I HAVE TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR A ROLLING SESSION?
No, advance registration is not required. There will be a registration table at the pool session.

DO I HAVE TO BE A PCC MEMBER TO ATTEND A POOL SESSION OR HAVE A LESSON?
No.  Our sessions are open to the public.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A ROLLING LESSON? 
Registration for lessons will be accepted at the pool session between 1PM- 1:25PM only. Students must be prepared to begin the lesson promptly at 2:30PM. 

DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN BOAT OR GEAR?
You are welcome to bring your own equipment. If you do not have your own boat or gear, you can rent it from the Philadelphia Canoe Club (see “Renting Equipment”). If you bring your own equipment, it MUST be pristine clean to enter the pool.

CAN I RENT A BOAT AND GEAR?
Students are permitted to rent equipment (boat, spray skirt, helmet, life jacket and paddle) from the Philadelphia Canoe Club. To do so, you must be at the PCC Boat Shed by 1pm on Saturday afternoon. The Boat Shed will be open from 12pm to 1pm only. You must pre-register to rent gear & boat, transport it to the pool and return it to the Boat Shed by 6:15 PM that same day. Click Calendar to pre-register for rental. 

IF I RENT A BOAT AND GEAR, HOW TO I GET IT TO THE POOL?

Transporting boats and gear (paddles, skirt, helmet, PFD) should be the student’s responsibility. However, instructors and friends are available to help for those students without vehicles, boat racks, or just room inside their vehicle. We are happy to help.

CAN I ATTEND THE POOL SESSIONS FOR PRACTICE ONLY?
Yes.

DO I HAVE TO SIGN A WAIVER?
Non-PCC members and non-ACA members must sign a waiver each time they attend the pool.  If you are a current ACA member, you must bring your ACA membership card with you. If you don't have your ACA card or active membership number, you must pay the $10 fee.

HOW DO I BECOME AN ACA MEMBER?
Contact the American Canoe Association through their web site (www.americancanoe.org)

DO I NEED AIRBAGS IN MY BOAT?

Kayaks- no, the airbags must be removed and boat fully cleaned

Canoes- yes, but the boat and air bags must be fully cleaned

DOES MY BOAT NEED TO BE CLEAN BEFORE COMING TO THE POOL?
Yes. Clean your boat before coming to the pool. Boats will be inspected before entering the building. If your boat does not pass inspection, you will not be allowed to bring it inside. Please be sure all airbags, inside and outside dirt, sand, leaves and debris are removed from your boat. DIRTY BOATS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE POOL.

WHAT GEAR DO I NEED TO WEAR IN THE POOL?
All participants must wear a life jacket and a helmet in the pool. We recommend you wear a polyester fleece sweater or nylon shell jacket on your upper body. Some students prefer to wear wet suits, sports attire that wicks, or bathing suits. You will be wet and exposed to the air during rolling class. You will also need a kayak, paddle, and spray skirt. 

ARE SHOWERS AVAILABLE?
Yes. Showers are available in the locker rooms but we need to be out of the building by 4PM. 

CAN I RECIEVE A ROLLING LESSON IN MY SEA KAYAK?
Due to crowded conditions, we recommend that sea kayakers take lessons in a whitewater boat. Once you learn how to roll, you can easily transfer the skill to a sea kayak.

IS THE POOL AVAILABLE EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON?
No. The school sets the schedule for PCC. Please check the website for the updated schedule before planning to attend a session.  Snow conditions or school events may change the schedule on short notice.  We will post all cancellation notices on this web site as soon as we are made aware of them.  We recommend you check the schedule before attending a session.

CAN MY CHILDREN GET A ROLLING LESSON?
Children 12 to 17 years of age can get a rolling lesson. A parent or guardian must accompany them at all times in the pool. If you want to rent equipment, we recommend the child weigh at least 110 lbs.

CAN I SWIM IN THE POOL?
No, swimming is not permitted in the pool during the pool sessions.

HOW LONG IS THE ROLLING LESSON?
That may be up to you. We conducted from 1:30PM to 2:30PM on Saturday. However, students are welcome to remain at the pool and practice until the end of the session.

QUESTIONS

Contact Linda Galyon via phone or text 267-249-7756