[Paddlewise] Lessons Learned (long)

MJAkayaker_at_aol.com writes:
 >  > <snip - great post!>
 > 
 > I did notice that my rolling was much better in the cold water.  Could it be 
 > that colder water being more dense provides more bouyancy, or that cold water 
 > caused a better quick-twitch muscle reaction (I heard this phrase in some 
 > Olympic coverage) or maybe it was just so cold that I was really determined 
 > to get up.

I'll attest that cold water is a great motivator in rolling back up.
I've been doing a fair amount of river kayaking around here (oregon)
and getting suddenly plunged into ice cold water does wonders for your
'fight or flight' response.  In this case I'm fighting to not have to
wet exit, which can be rough.  Add in the extra motivation of wanting
to come up before the next rock comes along and you have a very
determined mindset! 

On that note - I did finally get a chance to roll a sea kayak.  A few
weeks ago I was at Lake Waldo at the end of a two day circumnavigation
of the pristine beauty that is Waldo.  My partner and I decided to do
a little snorkeling (towing our sea kayaks behind us).  I tried a 'C
to C' roll and found it more difficult than in my WW boat.  I switched 
to a sweep and came up fine.  After snorkeling for a short while I
decided to try the famous re-enter and roll.  All my practice must be
paying off - it worked! 

All in all a beautiful day 8)


Glen Acord - Eugene, OR
Member: WKCC, OKCC, UO/OP, OOPS
Boats: Neckie Rip (WW) and waiting on my SK.

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