Rolling Laboratory With Mark McGowan

Lab 1: Unlocking the Sea Roll

Primary goal - Internal Blueprint. Bridging the gap from pool to sea.

Environment - Sheltered Sea (Borth Wen). Authentic but calm.

Core Concept - Biometric Engineering. Fixing power leaks in your outfitting and body.

Tactical focus - Leg Drive, Torso Lag, and Kinetic Linkage.

Your baseline - You have a roll in the pool but it feels "fragile" or inconsistent at sea.

Result - A reliable, repeatable recovery in sheltered sea conditions.

In the sheltered but authentic waters of Rhoscolyn, or equivalent location, we will use a Constraint Led Approach and professional performance frameworks to bridge this gap. This 3 hour Lab focuses on Environmental Hardening, tempering your roll so it remains a resilient reflex under pressure.

The Lab Focus: Biometric Engineering

We audit the kinetic linkage between your legs, hips, and torso. By refining the connection between you and your equipment, we ensure that every ounce of movement is transferred directly into the hull.

Connectivity Audit: Physical assessment of your boat’s outfitting with Biometric Shimming to eliminate "slop."

Kinetic Mapping: Developing a repeatable, physical "blueprint" that thrives in cold, salt water.

Biometric Analysis: Identifying and fixing disconnections in the chain (e.g., Head-lead or Leg-drive dissipation).

Sensory Management: Drills designed to help your nervous system self organize and stay calm under water.

Requirements: Participants must bring their own sea kayak and personal equipment. The Anglesey venue is adaptive and will be confirmed 48 hours prior to the Lab date.

Instruction from friendly, qualified British Canoeing Instructors

Small group sizes (max 1:3 instructor-to-student ratio)

Dry Trousers, Cag, Thermals, Buoyancy Aid, Helmet, Spraydeck, Wetsuit Shoes

or....

Drysuit, Thermals, Helmet, Spraydeck, Wetsuit Shoes and Buoyancy Aid

Sea Kayak

Paddle

Change of clothes, towel, and warm layers

Packed lunch, snacks, water bottle

Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

Any required medication

PDF Kit List

Course times: 09:00 – 12:00

Location: Rhoscolyn or Menai Bridge

Directions and parking: Sent after booking

Locations are chosen for safety and the best learning experience

Firstly a fairly useful indoor pool roll is required.

To ensure you get the most from this Level 2/3 course, participants should meet the following requirements:

Recent Experience: At least 10 days of sea kayaking in the past 2 years, including some time in intro moderate water conditions (up to Force 4 winds, 2 knots tide, and crossings up to 2 nautical miles).

Fitness: Good core strength and general fitness—able to sustain 2–3 days of moderate aerobic activity and several hours of paddling daily.

Age Requirement:
All tuition courses are for adults aged 18 and over. Teenagers (16–17) may attend if accompanied by a competent parent or guardian actively participating in the course.

Book your Unlocking Your Roll Course

For questions, contact us by email, phone, or social media

Sea Kayaking Wales is a Demo Centre for SKUK Kayaks, who are based just down the road from us in Holyhead.

We also Stock Zegul Kayaks (in the picture above on the left).

Paddles - We also stock and demo Celtic Paddles.

Please get in touch for more information about these products.