Re: [Paddlewise] Reenter - attach skirt and roll

JWare wrote:

> > Greg wrote
>
> > Perhaps with a lot of practice, it might work for you...  for me, it's
> > not something I intend to incorporate into my bag of "save my tail"
> > techniques unless someone can share the secret in getting the spray
> > skirt back on before I require air.
>
> I guess I'd have to agree with this not being high on my list of options.
> I've been practicing the reenter/attach skirt/roll up in the pool lately
> (including last night) and while I have the maneuver down in a nice warm,
> clear pool (goggles and nose clip too) it seems like tossing in cold or dark
> water, waves and wind might greatly reduce the success rate.
>
> Although it is nice when you roll up all sealed up, the idea of managing to
> keep in close contact with your paddle and attaching your your skirt while
> you feel the "lack of air clock" ticking make this maneuver a little
> questionable.

One thing I thought of but haven't tested yet is to tuck your head into the kayak
while underwater so you can breath while attaching the back of the skirt.  Then
you only have to drop your head under water long enough to finish the skirt
attachment.   I like a tight skirt so it takes a while to attach (I don't want to
imagine this with my WW skirt - it'd take forever underwater).  You need to
be fairly flexible to bend at the waist enough to breath in the hull - time to
get to speed on your stretching exercises!   A paddle leash (attaching the
paddle to the boat, not your wrist) would allow you to use both hands for the
skirt attachment.

I'll try it in the pool tomorrow night and get back to the list with results.

Mike



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