Any pool, pond, lake, etc. that is 2 feet or deeper is great! The Key Log® needs enough water to float and spin under the weight of a person and the attached training fins. The key to a safe log rolling experience in any depth of water is having an obstacle-free fall zone (no rocks, docks, pool edges within 10 feet) and a person to hold the log steady for the roller to begin.
FAQs
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Log rolling is very safe. The physics of a round object floating in the water and your body weight pushing you away from it when you fall are the basic principles that prevent major injuries. As you begin to lose balance you will fall either forward or backward into the water with your body weight leading the way. In many cases, the roller simply steps off of the log as he/she loses balance. The Key Log also has a traction surface, which was specifically designed to be rough enough to prevent slipping while not too rough for bare feet. The important note is that the Key Log be used in an area clear of people or hard objects where the falls will occur (referred to as a fall zone). Since the invention of the Key Log, there have been no head, neck, or spine injuries reported. No organizations have had restrictions from participating or have required additional insurance for the activity. Read our safety blogpost to learn more.
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The traction surface on the Key Log provides a maintenance free alternative to carpet that was used on wood logs for traction beginning in the 1980's. The Key Log built-in traction surface can accommodate bare feet and/or aquatics shoes based on their preference. As individuals begin to compete at higher levels, they often begin to wear shoes to get the most possible traction and support from their footwear.
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No, the Key Log is made of a high density polyethylene, the same hard plastic material as a kayak. It contains a foam baffle inside that keeps it lightweight and portable. It is designed to be filled with water to give it the necessary mass and buoyancy.
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The Key Log® was designed to have the specific buoyancy of dry western red cedar, the gold standard of log rolling logs for almost 100 years. One benefit of the Key Log is the consistency in the product you are getting, which also affects the speed of the spin and buoyancy. Wood logs could be rotten in the core, or infested with insects for example. Wood logs are also heavy and difficult to move, therefore people tend to leave them in the water or sitting on the ground for long periods of time, in which case they become water logged. This can be dangerous because the log may not seem to be spinning very fast, then it can quickly gain momentum and its spin can surprise you. It also becomes slippery on one side. If carpet or another traction surface is added to the log, there are additional maintenance issues. The Key Log's performance is simple to achieve, based on being entirely filled with water at all times, as described in the Owner's Manual and instructional videos.
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No, submerging the Key Log may not result in getting it completely full, which is required for safe and proper spin and buoyancy. You can completely fill the Key Log in about 5 minutes using a hose, funnels or a bucket.
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Traditionally, log rolling has been very difficult, however, with the patented Key Log and the Trainers, it is challenging but attainable. What previously took months to accomplish can now be achieved in hours! The Trainer accessories have flattened the learning curve and now all ages and abilities can enjoy log rolling right from the first roll.
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We currently make one Key Log, 15" in diameter and almost 12' in length. Included with each Key Log is a set of three yellow "Trainers" - attachments that slow and stabilize the log for beginners. You can put three, two, one, or no trainers on the Key Log to achieve varying levels of speed and difficulty, essentially giving you four different speeds in one Key Log. As the sport grows and log rollers continue to advance in skill level, we will make additional sizes of Key Logs for speed and competition.
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The Key Log was developed by engineers working with professional log rollers to mimic a Western Red Cedar lathe-turned log used since the inception of the sport. We made the Key Log 15" in diameter, approximately 12' in length because that is the largest size used in competition, but also a good size for beginners to learn on when paired with the trainer fins (yellow paddle wheel accessories).
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It depends on the situation where you will be using it. If you are offering a structured, ongoing class on how to log roll, the ideal number of people per Key Log is 4-6. In a more open recreation setting where there are other activities occurring, one Key Log could serve 15-20 people. If you are hosting a large event or demonstration of Key Log rolling, it is best to have at least two Key Logs. Many communities and colleges have found that starting their programs with two Key Logs is ideal. We are happy to help you determine the structure and format for various programming options. Simply contact us!
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The Key Log is expected to last for many years, as long as the use and care instructions are followed. The product originated in 2012 and the original models continue to be used regularly with no issues. The Key Log also comes with a three year manufacturer's full warranty on parts and workmanship.
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The Key Log is designed to be very portable. To store it out of the water, you must first drain the water while it is still floating in the water. Draining the Key Log takes about 3-5 minutes. Store horizontally in a safe location, such as along the wall of the pool deck, in a storage room, or outdoors on the ground in the shade. You may store the Key Log vertically on end, but make sure to secure it to prevent it from falling over! The Key Log may also be stored in the water, while still filled with water. This is convenient for short term daily or weekly storage (e.g. in between classes, lessons, or throughout the summer at camp). Secure the Key Log to a dock or anchor with a swivel hook anchoring strap attached to the security loops located on one or both ends.
For long term storage, drain Key Log completely. If it has been in a natural body of water, we recommend washing it out with fresh water and a bit of bleach. Let dry.
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We sell Key Logs directly off our website. Check out our product page here! If you are a program or business looking to purchase more than one, contact us directly for volume pricing. In Canada? Contact us and we'll put you in touch with our Canadian distributor.
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We offer 4-day and 7-day rentals available for pick-up out of our Twin Cities location. Due to shipping costs and constraints, we do not ship rentals. Check out our rentals page to learn more and book your rental!
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Key Log Rolling is making log rolling competition easy for anyone, anywhere! View the PDF with all of the basics here.
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Contact us and we will be happy to answer your specific questions!
info@keylogrolling.com