RE: [Paddlewise] Bombproof roll

Hi yaz,

When you come up from a re-entry and roll, you are sitting on the seat.  You
are in the most stable position possible (in a self rescue with a boat full
of water).  You can lean on the paddle float side while pumping the boat
dry.

The boat's stability is greatly decreased with every inch that you are above
the seat.  In busy waters, this can mean BIG trouble.  Repeatedly falling in
cold water will tire you out.  It could be fatal.  Try sitting on a one inch
piece of foam (in your boat).  You'll notice a big difference.  Now, try
crawling on the stern deck ala cowboy shuffle.  It's not very stable.
There's a high likelihood of failure.  If you didn't fail, try it in real
bumpy water or in the surf zone.

I'm 6' 5" tall and well over 200 lbs.  I have a real problem crawling on the
stern deck with any degree of stability (no, I'm not a big klutz).  I find
it to be an extremely unstable position.  I've practiced it and practiced
it.  I'd hate to have to actually rely on it.

My opinion is that you should be very familiar with several types of self
rescue, but you should work on being an expert at a couple - the Eskimo Roll
and the re-entry and roll with a paddle float.

Now, let's move on to the bombproof brace! :-)

Cheers,
Dave

Phuket, Thailand


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************