Re: [Paddlewise] C to C vs Sweep Roll

At 10:23 PM 11/26/99 EST, Duane asked:
>Sea Kayak Rollers,
<snip>
(for)> combat, it is always a sweep roll on either side for me.  The sweep 
>roll just seems smoother and more powerful.
>
>I would like to read input from other sea kayakers about what kind of rolls 
>they depend on for combat.

Duane, et al:
I have a number of different takes on this. Some of it is specific to my
boat/body build situation, so not so applicable to the list. I'd rather
define any contribution toward your request for input by defining two
considerations I have found to have significant implications. 

The first issue deals with *when* the combat roll occurs. I will preface
this by saying that conventional wisdom (and Derek Hutchinson) says that to
be able to roll is a sign of success, but to have to roll is a sign of
failure. Hogwash! A boat/paddler combination finds its greatest stability
in the inverted position. Kayakers capsize - ship happens. The Inuit had a
host of rolls, and they USED them. Were they a bunch of loosers - I don't
think so! Yes, they hunted and performed various tasks that could lead to a
capsize. We fish, photograph, each a snack at sea, look back at our slow
poke friends, and paddle in challenging conditions by choice - and flip
over. We do be going over from time to time, don't we duane? I mountain
bike. Rolling is like picking yourself back up after falling off the bike.
Don't fall off very often, but when I do, I don't go, woe is me, an utter
failure. My wife cycles too, but on groomed trails.Of course, she falls off
once in a blue moon. I'm sure Matt Broze would disagree here with me on the
roll issue.

For me, the "when" is an issue with respect to full day paddles, especially
taxing ones. A simple Screw Roll, even with little hip snap, is easy to
perform early on in the day. By the end of the day, my "bombproof roll" is
often "beyond" me. I've learn't to automatically use a more extended Sweep
Roll closer to the end of the day if I go over. I'm not sure why it
happens, but if I capsize in a combat situation at the end of a day trip or
a full paddle play-day, I get instantly dizzy. Remember though, I do paddle
in relatively cold water (no crocs or sharks though!). If I'm off-shore, I
really prefer to have something reliable that works the first time
consistently. So, I agree with you that the Sweep Roll, given we agree it
is more powerful, is something I'm more partial toward. Just don't pull
down on the shaft until you have finished the sweep part.

Secondly, a lot depends upon the type of water I'm in. If I'm playing close
inshore, such as rock gardens where the water can tend to be foaming after
a big wash-over (that caught you), I like to go to the Vertical Storm Roll.
If I can get the hand position correct fast enough, the extended paddle
position (one hand is holding the blade), I can strike downward to more
"solid" water; and when I come back up, I've got a bit of extra leverage
available for stability purposes. You should also learn to scull untill
your ear is in the water. This should be second nature, no thought given to
balance at all; you should be at home in the full 180 degree range from
left water level right over to right water level, then work the other 180
dergee range upside down till you comfortable. At the full 360 degrees,
both from the left and right, you are truly ready for combat. I'm still
missing a few degrees in there - among other things!

As far as the C to C roll, I never use it. As far as the head dink proper,
I use it a bit with the low brace to get the kayak oriented underneath me a
bit better, but it is more of a pivot the head movement from one shoulder
to the other than a strictly throw your head up and over movement, which I
still maintain requires caution and thought. I'm suffering a bit from a
foot-in-mouth hangover with this whole head dink issue, though I'm glad I
brought it up for clarification. And what better reason for something like
Paddlewise where we can solve the problems of difficult global paddling
problems :-). 

Roger and Jan represent all that is good and right with west coast kayaking
and instruction, and in my opinion, are miles ahead of most of us. I had no
idea they were on our listserver. I pray I haven't offended them. I'm not a
high-tech certified paddler - just an enthusiastic grunt who has learned to
do what I need to do to stay alive out there and have fun and make it home
to the family. Some pool stuff works out there, but combat situations
require reliable-for-you methods, as you originally mentioned. I also wish
there was more articles in magazines like Sea Kayaker on rolling - as long
as it wouldn't offend the yup-yakers. Hey, they get lots of space too.

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd (who often turns his world upside down) 
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