Mary Z asks: <snip> I have rheumatoid arthritis... how easy is it to roll a fully loaded sea kayak? Mary, it can be much easier that rolling an empty one, however, as it is heavier, you need to allow sufficient time for the loaded kayak to completely capsize before commencing the sweep and roll phase of the recovery. I usually expect a full expedition loaded kayak to roll back up a bit more slowly too, but this is all just a matter of timing and practice. Half rolls work well with a loaded kayak where the low hull heavy load tends to keep the boat a little more on its side. Good expedition paddlers tend to practice coming back up on the high side, with respect to whatever side they have gone over on (yes, good paddlers does get knocked over once and a while). Our sometimes-on spatial limitations can only be overcome with practice in rough conditions with boat, gear, and frame of mind commensurate with what you will actually be wearing and doing at said time of needed roll(s). You also asked: If it is harder considering the lack of flexibility in my wrists would sp**** be better or would a paddle float be sufficient? Sponsons are an excellent wet-entry device. The only draw back is set-up time and pro-active placement needs if you want them to work in rough water. Try and borrow a pair before buying them. I'm not sure about the wrist problem as it relates to self-rescue. And lastly: I wondered about using an unfeathered blade. Well Mary, I do think unfeathered paddles offer simplicity and less wrist problems. Sounds like the way to go if you have wrist injury problems. All your offside paddle maneuvers are going to be more difficult and therefore more prone to wrist injury causing problems with a feathered paddle. I have a lower angle of feather on my feathered paddles in an attempt to negotiate away from wrist problems and more demands with offside maneuvers. Don't paddle with wide blades, of course, given your wrist problems. Also, work with a sports medicine specialist if you are serious about wrist strengthening and injury avoidance skills. Perhaps you already have, but this post serves as a good reminder about paddling injuries and the need to be disciplined with respect to avoidance and follow-up. Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 01-04-26 20:22:02 EDT, mzuschlag_at_home.com writes: << http://members.home.net/mzuschlag >> Mary, I just visited your website and am really impressed. Folks, this lady rows a raft down the Grand Canyon!! Great photos. sandy kramer *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 4/27/01 11:43:08 PM, dlloyd_at_telus.net writes: << I wondered about using an unfeathered blade. Well Mary, I do think unfeathered paddles offer simplicity and less wrist problems. Sounds like the way to go if you have wrist injury problems. All your offside paddle maneuvers are going to be more difficult and therefore more prone to wrist injury causing problems with a feathered paddle. I have a lower angle of feather on my feathered paddles in an attempt to negotiate away from wrist problems and more demands with offside maneuvers. Don't paddle with wide blades, of course, given your wrist problems. >> I'll agree and suggest you might want to look at a Greenland paddle. They require less wrist movement because the stroke is lower and usually the stroke is a tad shorter at the back end. I've lost all my bookmarks so maybe someone can send you some links to information on Greenland paddles and paddling. Joan *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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