[Paddlewise] Rolling in the surf?

G'day Peter,

<< Thanks for the advice - it sounds consistent with a 

post some weeks ago in which it was suggested that a handroll

might be easier than using a paddle - I'm going on holiday in the 

surf to get away from the Olympic chaos on the 25th so will definitely 

try handrolls in and out of the surf. My regular roll has a long way 

to go before its reliable, even in still water.>>

    My pleasure. I didn't mean to imply that it is easier to hand roll than 
paddle roll. I posted a while back about sometimes it can be easier to teach 
someone to hand roll rather than teaching a paddle roll. The basic idea was 
that with a flexible student, both physically and mentally, it can be a more 
powerful and more effective way to instill the importance and power of proper 
hip rotation. I still believe this to be true in some cases and I still 
prefer to teach the handroll first, but each case / paddler is different.


<<  There was also a comment some time back that just sticking out 

a paddle when overturned in the surf might help, due to the rotation 

of the water in the wave - any comments on this anyone? Any details on 

how to do this? Are there any associated hazards that anyone is aware of? >>

    Oh, if it were only that simple. While the power of surf can be used to 
assist a roll, the judgment or knowledge required to take advantage of this 
power is normally enjoyed only by very experienced surf rats.  There is a 
danger of dislocation if one extends the arm while holding on to a paddle in 
certain positions. In general, in surf, I prefer to keep my elbows relatively 
close to by torso to protect myself from the potential for problems. (Yet 
another kayaking hazard for SuperDoug's list). As is often the case, there 
are few shortcuts. The best way to roll well is to get instruction to instill 
good technique or dispel bad technique, then learn to feel your roll, as far 
as what is proper (easy) or improper (difficult) technique.

    If you like, I would be happy to discuss rolling technique off 
Paddlewise. There are many good instructors out in the world, many of them 
lurk / post on Paddlewise, but too many opinions would only serve to muddy 
the waters, so to speak.

    Best of luck to you and have a great holiday!

Jed


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