I have enjoyed reading the posts for the past month -mostly as a lurker- they have been very helpful to a new sea kayaker. I am 52 and have been canoeing most of my life and WW kayaking for about 3 years. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to roll my nearly 18' FG SK. It is no harder than my 10' WW Piroutte. I would encourage everyone to learn this skill. My daughter in law learned in 5 minutes and can hand roll beautifully. I am fairly conservative with regard to risk- I have limited myself to Class III+ WW rapids- and have followed the Paddlefloat/foot pump/ roll thread with interest. I was able to successfully roll my CD Caribou the first time with my Greenland style paddle (Superior brand). With the extended position it is far easier than even a WW roll in a pool. I also did an outrigger self rescue with the wood paddle with NO float. Despite this initial success, I ordered a paddle float as a back-up/back-up. Having failed at combat rolls on the river, I recognize the wisdom of having backups in place. The big difference is in WW you never re-enter in the water. I am looking forward to practicing in more difficult conditions now. I agree with the post about learning to roll so you can push the envelope with regard to technique. I fully expect to flip as I test the limits of tilting and leaning my new boat while turning, eddying out, etc. It's probably as much of a real hassle having to re-enter and pump as it is to swim to shore, dump your boat and get in again on the river. Without a roll I think most people will probably limit their experimentation and learning by staying in a real safe mode most of the time. Rolling is also a great way to avoid overheating while paddling on hot days. 100 degree air 40 degree Idaho river water- no problem- roll and cool off every five minutes. This would probably work for Clyde on his coastal exploits. Wish I had the time for that type of trip. Keep those posts coming! Walt *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** 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 Thu May 13 1999 - 08:34:56 PDT
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