Hi Dave et al, Dave Seng wrote: << What actually brought on that low-grade rant was the use of the term by both myself and Jed. >> LOL, I wondered if my post had anything to do with planting the seed for your post. Jed Luby wrote: << I went through this past winter with just the HydroSkins and a drytop. Technically a very stupid thing to do. It works well though if your roll is bombproof. Still, I backed off several trips due to the odd chance that I might take a swim. >> I normally try to avoid calling my own roll bombproof. I've always felt that is a distinction better awarded by others than by one's self. In the line above I did not mean to imply that MY roll is bombproof but rather that the clothing described will work (in a pinch) for someone with a bombproof roll. I went on to say that I backed off several trips (this past winter) due to the odd chance that I might swim. You do bring up a great point though about whether the "Bombproof" roll really exists. I have been fortunate to have been taught a very reliable roll on both sides, that has not let me down in the last year. Because I have such strong confidence in my roll, I have lost some of my instinct to stay upright. If a small low brace doesn't save me then I go right to a roll rather than chance injury with an extreme high brace. This roll has kept me from swimming for the last year. I've been paddling for only 22 months, but paddled every other weekend of this past winter. I am very proud of and confident in my roll, but I still base my decisions on whether or not to paddle based on what could happen if I HAD to swim. I recent thread on a message board reminded my to keep my reentry skills sharp. I, like others no doubt, have let my other self rescue skills get rusty while I basked in the imagined strength of my roll. You bring up a very good point that all of us would do well to keep fresh in our minds I try to maintain a "Roll or Die" attitude to rolling, but with a "Could I Swim And Survive" approach to where and when I choose to paddle. My roll had not let me down yet, but I've not yet experienced the worst the sea has to offer. There are many test yet to come. My confidence in my roll has not stopped me from purchasing a drysuit and doesn't stop me from dressing for immersion. Hopefully no really believes I am anti-safety. I, for one, will renew my dedication to ALL self rescue techniques, but secretly I'll still be thinking "Roll or Die". May all your rolls be successful, Jed Luby (with experience comes humility, at least, in not wisdom) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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