Re: [Paddlewise] Rolling was Instability...

In a message dated 2/1/00 10:02:35 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
rob_cookson_at_mindspring.com writes:

> While this may be true, what is the advantage of extending a western paddle
>  if you are not using it to get more support?  My point is that a sweep roll
>  should be 90% hips and 10% arms (no this is not meant to be an exact 
ratio).
>  When you extend the paddle I assume it is to change that ratio and allow 
the
>  arms/shoulders to do more work.

The extended paddle should allow you to slow the roll rate down without 
placing more stress on the joints.  This allows more time for the hips (CG 
shift) and the boat's buoyancy to act, especially when overcoming the extra 
inertia of a heavier, loaded boat or the resistance generated by wind and/or 
waves.  It also allows the kayaker more time to analyze whether his blade 
angle and other rolling factors are correct.

I agree that routinely rolling without hand-shift is the best way to go in 
most situations.  There is less possibility of paddle loss, less loss of 
time, and it is so fast that it often allows you to use the inertia of the 
capsize to help the roll.  

However, I think the extended roll (with traditional paddle or Euro-blade) is 
a good back-up when done correctly.  I also think that regular practice of 
extended-paddle rolls, trying to roll as smoothly and slowly as possible, is 
a good way to analyze and perfect roll technique.  I know that when I feel 
stress on my joints, it is either because I have rushed my roll -- trying to 
snap or muscle myself up, or blown the blade angle -- doing a high-angle 
sweeping brace which turns the boat, slows the sweep and generates a lot of 
drag.  On a bad day, I can blow a roll in either of these ways, regardless of 
how my hands are placed on the paddle and regardless of whether I'm using my 
Greenland stick or a Euro-blade.

>  The only bad roll is the one that leaves you with your head underwater.

. . . Or your arm in a sling.

Happy Paddling,
Harold

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