A KEEN kayaker at South Essex College is undertaking a unique investigation for her degree dissertation.

For the final project of her BSc Sports Studies course, Joanne Duck is completing a “screwroll”

study, which could be the first one of its kind.

A screw roll sees the paddler capsize before righting themselves and Joanne is keen to investigate what affects someone’s ability to perform the manoeuvre.

She said: “This is my passion, I have been paddling for 12 years and a qualified kayaking instructor for five.

“I want to use this investigation as a coaching tool – a tried and tested land-based training plan doesn’t currently exist.

“The dissertation has been hard work because it’s a new study and I haven’t had anything to compare it to, but it’s been fun working it all out. I really need to thank the Southend Canoe Club and the Herts one, my family who have doubled up as my research team and my supportive tutors, Steve and Dave.

“Without them all, this study would not have been possible.”

Joanne’s project focuses on the physiological aspects affecting the screw roll, but also investigates why, when you take away environmental factors, some individuals can complete the manoeuvre, but some cannot.

Using an old kayak and force plates, Joanne has built a unique testing rig to complete her experiments in – dubbed the Duckometer.

The rig allows Joanne to apply resistance to the paddles, transferring force through the body and into the boat, with video cameras enabling her to compare different test subjects’ core rotation levels.

Steve Nightingale, programme leader for BSc Sports Studies, said: “This project shows the hard work and impressive innovation of one our students.

“As far as I know, this rig is one of a kind. As soon as Jo has finished her dissertation, I want to send it to some well-established kayak researchers to see if it could be published in a sports journal.”