Re: [Paddlewise] Rolling

In a message dated 2/1/01 12:11:55 AM, JSpinner_at_aol.com writes:

<< Next question: I get the hips and head but in real life there is no setup 
and mostly, that is the way I've been practicing my "normal" rolls. I just 
kind of fall over and then bring the paddle to the right position. So, tell 
me about setup. Do you mean above or below water? >>

Hi Joan,

    The setup I refer to is below the water. The ideal setup position for 
most rolls is a lean diagonally forward towards the offside. Try to lift your 
face and chest as close to the surface of the water as possible. This will 
naturally push your paddle out of the water. Then try to hold your body 
*that* close to the surface as you start the sweep. At this point your body 
is in the starting "C" position. As you perform the hip snap, you are 
actually reversing this position until you reach the ending "C" position. Try 
to hold the ending position for a few seconds after the boat rights. This 
will help develop the habit of keeping your head down.

    Last hint, as you perform the hip rotation, think more about hanging from 
your (straight) arms rather than pulling down on the paddle. This helps 
emphasize the hip rotation and minimizes the incorrect and premature use of 
the paddle. I hope this isn't too much to think about. Be prepared, this will 
feel very strange when you first try it. But if you can perform the hip 
rotation separate from the paddle movement your roll will feel effortless.

    Remember, this note comes with a double-your-money-back guarantee. So if 
this you are not satisfied, the company will refund you an amount equal to 
twice what you paid!!

Jed  ;-)
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************