What's the point of kayak rolling?

Question

i don't know much about kayaking so i'm curious... is it a sport just for fun? or is it a technique to use in case your kayak flips over?

thanks

Answer 1

People that kayak in white water will turn over into a position that is not upright. So they practice the roll and are able to right themselves without getting out of the kayak. This way they can continue to go downstream and not have to get over to the bank of the river to get paddling again.

Answer 2

Kayaks tip over very easily.  So if they roll over and you can't turn yourself upright again then, obviously, you drown.

Answer 3

It is a technique to use in case your kayak flips over. When that happens, you're upside down, & if you've practised this, you're less likely to panic.