Re: [Paddlewise] Rolling, rolling, keep them kayaks . . .

   Actually, the discussion on rec.boats.paddle.touring began with someone's 
claim that all competent trip leaders should know how to roll. A position 
which I have been staunchly arguing against. It then degenerated into the 
proposition that all competent sea kayakers should know how to roll. Again, I 
don't agree. Mr. Bowles, whom I believe is a part of this list also, makes a 
valid point when he throws canoeing into the equation. 
   As I pointed out on the newsgroup, there are various levels of sea 
kayaking, each requiring different amounts of skill and equipment. People who 
are content exploring calm water on the weekend certainly do not need to know 
how to roll. They are still, nevertheless, part of our sea kayaking 
community. I also do not believe that people who enjoy well run group trips 
need to be up on their solo rescues either. Of course, it wouldn't hurt! But 
it's not necessary for either the group, or the group leader to have these 
skills.

Scott
So.Cal.

>>In the midst of the long discussion on rolls we've had, there was a nice
thread on the subject on rec.boats.paddle.touring. In the midst of the
threat, a canoe tripper had a thought that I thought I'd throw out here for
comment:

"Then there's flatwater canoeing & canoe tripping.  Very few if any of us
can roll our canoes, yet we are in far less seaworthy craft than sea
kayaks.  If sea kayakers need a roll, are we canoeists totally unsafe?"
                                     -- Lloyd Bowles, "The Mad Canoeist"
 
What does the group think? Is a roll for sea kayaking really, absolutely
necessary, especially for those that don't go into conditions where they
wouldn't go with an open canoe, anyway?<<
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