The ability to roll is immensely useful to me as a touring paddler. Although I have only one time needed a roll when actually just touring ( as opposed to surfing or playfully pushing limits to try some new technique) I roll regularly for practice, fun, and to cool off. In the Gulf of Mexico in the summer with temp and humidity in the 90's the ability to roll under, pause, chill, then roll back up is much more effective then any evaporative cooling technique I've tried. The biggest problem I had when rolling was new to me was overcoming the natural impulse to wet exit after an unintentional flip. I took a few white water courses just to make the roll instinctive and it worked. Another aspect of paddling that has been very effective as a device to further my capabilities as a touring paddler is the flat water racing (olympic) kayak. Paddling it has helped considerably with balance and has taught me to incorporate a subtle bracing action into every forward stroke without sacrificing forward momentum. Larry Koenig Baton Rouge LA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Dec 19 1998 - 13:43:21 PST
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