Re: [Paddlewise] Offside roll: how useful?

On Wed, 23 Jun 1999, Karl Coplan wrote:

> As a sea kayaker, I dont expect to need 
> a roll while up against a rock, cliff, boat, dock, etc.  I realize 
> that an offside roll may be important to a ww kayaker, but am not 
> convinced for sea kayaking.

If paddling in an area with a lot of moorings/docks or in a rock garden I 
could see using it.

I was paddling with a friend who got swept broadside into a dock, a 
potentially ugly situation.  His judgement of the speed of the current and
his ability to turn/ferry were off.  He opted to quickly climb onto the 
dock and pull his boat up with him, he was upright when he impacted the dock.

> Maybe it would make a difference in high winds . . . but you've got 
> to assume that a weaker offside roll will work with the wind after 
> your stronger onside roll has failed.  Only story I am familiar with 
> is the one in Sea Kayakers Deep Trouble where the offside roll failed 
> in high winds right after the onside roll failed (you know, the guy 
> who was out in SF bay in 50 knot winds . . .)

That was the example I was thinking of.  I've been out sailboarding in
40+ knot winds.  Every trick and skill becomes useful when you are in the
water.

kirk
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************