Re: [Paddlewise] Skills: bracing, rolling.

Hi
At one time I had the indestructable attitude too.  I had never come close to
turning over etc etc.  Anyway, I did always want to learn to roll because the
wet exit in rough or even slightly rough conditions was getting less and less
appealing.  My thought being the more miles you put on the more your chances
of taking a spill.  I also tend to go out all winter in the Northeast and the
cold water seems to get colder and colder.  Anyway, I read how to roll
articles, looked at pictures and tried.  I don't care who pays for whose
college (paid for mine on my own) the conclusion is GO PAY SOMEONE FOR A
LESSON!  After all the fooling around without any success, I took a lesson and
was rolling in a day.  Mind you, it is not bombproof, but I have the solid
basics now.  I would have NEVER figured it out on my own.   Now, every time I
go out I conclude my trip with at least 10 practice rolls.
I purchased a new boat a couple of weeks ago.  I told the dealer that I wanted
instruction before I closed the deal.  They obliged and I got a full day of
review from a good instructor.  It wasnt some geeky do this do that type
thing.  It was a real quick review of bracing/strokes/skulling/rolling/surfing
etc etc.  I got more out of that day than reading any geeky kayak book.  I now
have all kinds of things to work on and bad habits to break.
In conclusion, I was out yesterday for a short paddle.  As I was coming in, I
accidently dug my paddle in somehow and caught a crab.  Well, the guy who
never went over WENT OVER IN FLAT CALM!  I easily rolled out of it and was
glad I didn't have to spend the end of my day blowing, craweling and pumping.
Sell some of your gadgets and use the dinero for a lesson....I think you will
be happy you did!
Tom
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