[Paddlewise] Reenter and Roll; Bracing

<< At 07:24 AM 12/29/99 EST, Bob Vilter wrote:
<<......would like to improve upon my bracing skills, and would also like to 
learn 
<<.....how to reenter and roll.

Doug Lloyd's (snipped) response:
<< ....(too busy right now). Perhaps some other posts will come up in the
<<......mean time. Until then, be cool, don't paddle like a fool, and think of
<<......those Californians in the sun and drool!

Anonymous babbling idiot’s reply:
    Ok, normally I prefer to lurk, but Doug Lloyd's request that I personally 
respond in his stead was just too moving for me to decline.  So, here goes:
    The most cost-effective way to acquire the skills you seek is to read one 
or more of the various books available on general seakayaking.  Memorize any 
passages relative to bracing/rolling.  Follow the exercises for learning to 
roll.  Yes, I know you asked about re-enter and roll and bracing skills, but 
stay with me a while longer.  
    Basically, the roll is the Holy Grail of kayaking.  Once you have a roll 
everything else suddenly makes sense.  A high brace is just the last part of 
a roll, namely the hip snap and recovery.  It amounts to a 1/4 roll.  The 
reenter and roll is now no more difficult than learning how to reenter the 
kayak when it is upside down.  Arguably this is the most challenging part of 
a reenter and roll.  But with years or practice and dedication it might 
someday start to feel natural.  Of course, once you have a roll, the reenter 
and roll will be reduced to an exercise to convince the safety nazi's that 
your not overly-confident.
    All, and I mean all of the advanced techniques like sculling, balance 
bracing, surfing, extreme edging, hanging draws, white water kayaking (for 
tidal race skills), etc are learnt with infinitely greater facility if one 
has a reliable roll.  It is certainly possible to enjoy seakayaking very much 
without ever learning to roll.  But for learning the advanced techniques of 
seakayaking the Eskimo roll is, for all intents and purposes, a prerequisite.
 
Good luck Bob!.  It's a wonderful journey.
Jed


Things to remember before you start to think about correcting me on the above:
    Only a fool would argue with an idiot.  
    Only an idiot would have written such an affront.
    bye  ;-)
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