Re: [Paddlewise] Is the roll good?

MJAkayaker_at_aol.com wrote:

>  What sort of things should I be paying attention to?
>
> 1) Less force on the paddle = better roll  ?

Yes.

> 2) Almost going over the other way = better roll ?

Not necessarily.  It shows you're generating too much force and may be
overloading your paddle.  Once you've got your roll down pat, you'll
be able to make minor corrections to your actions during the roll to
prevent things like this.

> 3) Paddle blade depth at finish of roll - shallower = better roll?

Generally, yes.  Some folks say that a sweep roll should never end with
_any_ paddle dive.  Realistically, a little dive is ok.  If the tip of your paddle
is more than about 18 inches down, I'd say you have a problem.

> 4) You just know it when you feel it you over analytical dummy

Yes! <g>

> I am not feeling a "hip snap" the way it has been described to me.  I am
> aware of a change of pressure from one knee to the other and I feel my
> lay-back, but I do not feel the bending from one side to the other that I
> think I should feel.  Is it just happening so quickly that I miss it (I am
> getting up) or should I really be aware of the bending?
>

There are two categories of rolls - brace rolls (like the c-c) and sweep rolls
(like the screw roll).  Brace rolls happen kinda fast and rely on the hip action
to get you up fast - hence a hip snap.  The sweep rolls happen more slowly.
In this case, your hip motion is less of a snap and more of a continuous rotation.
It isn't lazy, but it's not a snap either.

A good sweep roll is smooth and easy.  If you aren't smooth, you're likely forcing
some step.  One example: you might switch to a semi-brace type of roll part way
round and snap up.  Try to slow the roll down as much as possible and you'll feel
the action.  If you're going to a layback finish, make sure you're right back on the
deck and lie there after finishing (a little sculling to steady yourself may be in order).
Once you've gotten your roll down pat, you can move on to finishing with a sit-up.
By going all the way round slowly, you'll emphasize the clean smooth motion.  If
you're doing it right, you'll hardly notice the paddle force.

Another thing you'll become aware of with a good, smooth roll is the point at which
the kayak changes rolling characteristics.  You'll feel the point at which the bow
hits the surface, when the chines (if any) hit the water, when the secondary stability
kicks in etc.  You'll feel the differences between two different kayaks ("rolls like
a log"[Slipstream, Ellesmere], "rolls like a barn door"[sot?], "rolls like a square wheel"
[Necky Jive]).

> I was thinking of trying some rolls with just half a paddle to help me check
> my technique.  Is this a good way to improve?  Should I be working longer
> with a full paddle before I try this (ie can it hurt my technique)?
>

That's not a bad thing.  If the mechanics of your roll are ok, this will force you
to rely less on paddle force (or more correctly, paddle leverage) to get up.
It's also a good practice for your "I lost my paddle and have to roll up with
half the spare I convenienlty carry on my kayak!" technique.  I practice with
a half paddle occasionally.

> I will also be trying my first offside rolls this weekend.  I hope its easier
> than going from a stern rudder to a cross-draw.

I couldn't do an offside roll in a WW kayak until I learned it in a SK.  I didn't
find it hard, it was just confusing switching everything around.

Mike

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