RE: [Paddlewise] Reentry & Roll - What then??

John wrote
>I am having trouble visualizing how one does this.  Once you're feet
>start going into the cockpit how do you get your head in for a breath
>of air?  If your feet are not in the cockpit wouldn't be just as easy
>to get your breath of air from outside the boat?

G'Day John.

Sorry if it was obscure maybe my technique is wrong but this what I do
(corrections/improvements most welcome).

Once out I face the stern of the capsized boat, reach under water and take
the coaming by both hands while holding the paddle in one hand alongside the
kayak/coaming. Then I push my whole body under the water and the boat so
that my face is in the cockpit. This is the point where I take a breath,
orient myself and start bringing my legs up. The breathing step is probably
not necessary for an expert. Then I lay my head back under water, bringing
the knees up while still holding the cockpit, at the same time pushing the
head and shoulders well down away from the kayak while placing my legs in
the cockpit. Then pull the kayak on like a pair of trousers. All the time
holding my paddle alongside the cockpit.

At this point I roll up although the spray skirt is not on. My point was
that it would be useful to put the skirt on under water, but how to do this?

Derek Hutchinson describes the procedure in "The Complete Book of
Seakayaking" but warns that for safety it requires a friend to be present
while practising. He also doesn't suggest putting the face in the cockpit to
breathe, maybe one shouln't do this? I taught myself from verbal
descriptions so could have got it wrong - if so corrections would be
appreciated. The first time I tried I brushed my head against the cockpit
and made a bald head balder. Subsequent attempts have been no problem.

All the best, PeterO,

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