Re: [Paddlewise] re-enter & roll, what works for me.

   I practice this often in the pool and when I am out
for a casual paddle with friends.
   I usually dump via standing in my kayak and
pretending I am a taxi driver in Venice - why practice
a wet exit?
    Anyways, while floating with the boat, bow
forward, on my left side, I put my left leg in and
float on my back. I set the paddle to my right side in
the set up position that I was taught - keeping it
close.
Take some really deep breaths, clear your mind and
hold it in.

             Upside down

With my left leg already in the correct spot, I grasp
both sides of the cockpit and push in the right foot.
Grip the thighbraces tightly, they are what keep you
in place.
  Now concentrate on putting on the sprayskirt
quickly.
  
I reach out sideways for the paddle, moving my
straight arm from horizontal to vertical, usually
catching it somewhere near the elbow.
  Now, I slide my sweep hand out, check the blade
angle and  
   Roll. Remembering - head last. If you miss, it
sucks  to have to get out gasping.

Underwater, this should take you about ten seconds
tops. It may seem like forever, but that is why I
practice around friends and in a controlled
environment.
  This is a lot of fun if you can do it, but I see
little practical application, why not T-X, dump the
water and assist climbing in? 

Phil Huck  
thekayaker_at_yahoo.com
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