Re: [Paddlewise] Eskimo roll

    It was almost comical to read Matt Broze's post. So much of what he says 
so eloquently, I agree with completely, but could never express as he does.
    Rolling is a nearly effortless series of very simple movements that need 
to be performed with precision and timing. If you are sensitive to and 
capable of constant adjustment to minimize the pressure on the paddle then 
it's possible to teach yourself. But it is much easier and faster to have an 
instructor direct your first efforts. I know of only a handful of paddlers 
that have taught themselves and actually have good rolls.
    So keep Matt's post, but don't try to understand all of it at once, there 
is too much there. If you try to remember everything in his post, you will 
find yourself concentrating on the components and not become fluid in your 
overall movement. Have you even seen a cat flip over in mid air? (Hasn't 
everyone tried this?)  Rolling is a similar movement, not difficult but 
neither is it instinctive for mere humans.

    As Rob Cookson must have said in his series of great rolling tips:
    If it feels strenuous, it's wrong. A roll should feel like a stretch, 
first to one side then to the other.

Best of luck!
Jed
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