Personally, I would rather take my chances punching through the breaker then rolling under it. If the wave is really huge and you don't make it through then you will probably get pushed backward. In this case you need to keep clawing at the water in an attempt to get through and, if your persistent and are able to resist capsize or a back ender, then you should eventually make it through. If you choose to capsize under the wave then you will be exposing yourself to any underwater rocks that might be present. You will also be setting yourself up for a good pummeling. Riding out a wave while capsized can be a fairly brutal experience. I have almost been pulled from my boat in such situations, and once I had my helmet ripped off of my head when the force of the water pulled out the rivets which attach the chin strap. Another time I broke my paddle in half while trying to roll up in the turbulence. If the waves are so large that you really don't think you will be able to punch through them, then you really shouldn't be out on the water in the first place. I can think of very few scenarios where one might feel that they absolutely had to risk such an action. If by some freak chance you did find yourself inside a killer break that you knew was way beyond your abilities, then I think you would be better off exiting the boat and taking your chances as a swimmer. Scott So.Cal. << A technique question about surf skills: Anyone have any good ideas on rolling under breakers too big to punch through? Particularly, I am wondering about: 1. timing the roll under 2. timing the roll up 3. whether to stay in a roll set-up position while under water, or 4. whether to extend arms and paddle while under water to get a greater braking effect? 5. what size surf do you punch/spear through, what size do you roll under, and at what point do you just keep out altogether? Any real life practical tips appr >> *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sun Dec 03 2000 - 10:51:21 PST
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