Re: [Paddlewise] Safety & more!

Hi Jim,

    I couldn't agree more, but I'm convinced the roll is about much more than 
just safety. Certainly a reliable roll is the fastest and safest self-rescue 
there is, but beyond that, the hip rotation that is central to the roll is 
also central to the basic handling of a kayak. 

    Kayaks are what they are, in part because they are unstable enough to be 
nearly unaffected by wave action. Their lack of stability is what makes the 
kayak work, it's also what makes the roll fundamental to the sport. How can 
someone learn how to edge the boat past it's stability if they can't brace 
effectively? How can someone learn to brace effectively without using their 
hips? How can someone learn to use their hips without at least being able to 
recover from a horizontal sculling position? Is their any fundamental 
difference in technique between snapping up from a scull or performing an 
extreme high brace or performing a roll?

    There was a thread when back when in my paddling infancy about whether 
rolling was a basic or advanced skill. I'm am convinced today that rolling 
should be taught first and then after people learn to understand the edging 
potential of the craft they will appreciate paddling in a whole new light.

    Have fun telling me how wrong I am! I hope you all have soft and warm 
water soon!

Jed ( gleefully teaching non-boat-owners how to roll )


In a message dated 4/2/01 1:43:41 PM, jtibensky_at_msn.com writes:

<< When all is said and done..... is there a good reason not to learn to have 
a 
solid, reliable roll?  With it you really, really increase your safety 
margin.  Without it you are at risk every time a motorboat wake hits you or 
the weather changes. >>


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