Spin Like a Gyro (Learn to Roll)

Leaders
Lorenzo Shaikewitz (Whitewater chair)
Program
Boating
Type
Kayaking
Trip date
Saturday, September 26th
Difficulty rating
Wet
Prerequisites
None

Learn to roll your kayak with MITOC, and enjoy a gyro (you pay) afterwards!

This is the second of two September roll sessions, and participants of the prior session get priority registration for the this one. Rolling is mostly muscle memory (not strength), so it will likely take at least two (probably more) sessions to learn!

Logistics. Meet your driver by 9:45 AM at the MITOC Boathouse. We'll then drive to Mystic Lake, roll for two hours (until noon), and return. Kayaks and gear will be provided.

Clothing. The water will be cold, and you will be getting wet (a lot) bring a swimsuit, and possibly some wool base layers or wetsuit parts. And bring a change of clothes!!

Costs. $15 trip fee (includes rentals, if needed). MITOC offers generous fee waivers for anyone worried about these costs.

Boat sizes. Boat sizes are approximately by weight. If you are near the border, you can safely size down (for a more playful ride) or up (for a more stable one). Here's a rough guide:

  • S: 90 - 140 lbs
  • M: 140 - 185 lbs
  • L: 185 - 240 lbs

Selection Process. For fairness, this trip will have a 10-hour lottery followed by first-come-first-serve signups. Participants of the prior roll session will be given priority. There are three ways to participate:

  1. [MIT] Meet at Boathouse/Building N52 at 9:45 AM (first 3 participants)
  2. [Car with roof racks] Drive and load boats yourself at 9:45 AM. How many people/boats can you take? (subject to boat availability)
  3. [Waitlist] drive with someone doing option 2 (we'll pull as available)

Signup

Algorithm
lottery
Maximum participants
3
Signups open at
Sept. 23, 2026, 9 a.m.
Signups close at
Sept. 23, 2026, 7 p.m.
Notes
  1. (if renting) What is your boat size / what boat do you want? (see description)
  2. Do you have a car with roof racks (and how many boats/people can you take)?
  3. Do you have any roll experience?
Signups for this trip are not yet open.