Reed Avataq Rolling Floatation Aid

An inflatable avataq with real buoyancy — designed to support you while you’re learning to roll.

Learning to roll can feel like a lot to coordinate at once. An avataq helps by taking some of the pressure off your paddle in the early stages of training. Instead of relying on a sweep or brace to bring the kayak back up, you hold the float directly in your hand. The high lift gives you more stability and control, so you can break the roll down into smaller steps and repeat them until the movement starts to feel natural.

The sturdy straps give you a secure grip, even when you’re upside down and working on technique rather than strength.

This is a modern take on the Greenlandic avataq — traditionally made from sealskin.

Paddlespot tip: Practise in calm, shallow water with a spotter, and build up slowly. The avataq is a great training tool, but good safety habits and repetition are what make the roll reliable.