RE: [Paddlewise] Paddle Floats

> With Julio's distinction in mind, would it be possible to determine
> what
> percentage of PaddleWise paddlers use "safety devices" and "rescue
> aids" as
> their first line of defense, vice those who use a roll or an
> unassisted re-
> entry and roll in normal knock-downs?  Not sure how it would work, or
> if it's
> feasible to determine or a prudent question.  But learning a reliable
> roll
> 
	Just reading the responses may be adequate to get a good feel
where everyone, or at least some of us stand.

	I subscribe to the John Winter's theory that the best offense is
a good defense, so I'm fairly cautous and use that as my first line of
defense.

	Paddle float and sponsons are the second line of defense.

	Third line of defense would probably be to pray a lot for divine
intervention or cuss a lot to keep the adrenilin going.

	Previous posts show I'm very interested in the subject of
rescuse, particulary self-rescue.  This year I'll be studying up on 1 or
2 of the simpler rolling techniques.  I can't/won't risk getting water
in my ears so I won't deliberately put my head under the water.  I
haven't found an ear plug/wax and bathing/diving cap combination to
eliminate that problem to my satisfaction. The risk is minimial, but one
I won't take deliberately.  So I'm limited to the type/amount of
practice I can do.

	My dumping technique is getting pretty good though.  I can dump
and not get my hat wet most of the time.  :-)  I think I can do some
practicing without going all the way under, although if I recall from
previous readings, head position is important.  When I do take a real
dump (and I will) I'll make a real attempt at rolling.


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