[Paddlewise] Fernando - Ballast/Sponsons

Fernando wrote:
>But considering sponsons and paddle floats as true alternatives to the roll
>is in my opinion a grate mistake. Rolling is not that hard to learn and
>doesn't require any special ability neither physical shape. Everybody can
>and should learn to roll, because roll is to kayaking as important as the
>forward stroke. Actually, rolling can be learned before the rest of the
>techniques, making the whole learning process faster and easier. Students
>feel more safe when leaning the kayak knowing if hey can capsize they can
>always roll back up. I have taught this way for years with grate success.

    Well said, Fernando. Threads on equipment based alternatives to rolling 
seem to go around and around but never seem to address the needs fully. I 
applaud your assertion that rolling can be taught first. I am a great fan of 
the rapid skills development that often occurs after a student learns to roll 
reliably, in large part because their fear of capsize is eliminated. 

    Sooner or later we all find ourselves in situations or conditions that 
may require a rescue. In these situations, a reliable roll might mean the 
difference between a fun day in conditions and the end of an otherwise 
enjoyable day. I can understand that not everyone enjoys dancing on the outer 
edge of his or her comfort envelope, all the more reason to develop a 
reliable roll. Paddle floats, Sponsons and other device dependent rescue 
methods all suffer from the same flaw, they all are preceded by a wet exit 
and all the discomfort and rapid cooling that can come with it. 

    Michael Daly's response brings up some interesting points. Michael, 
please forgive the heavy editing and my taking your words out of context.

>For some folks, rolling is hard to learn.

    Agreed, and for many people it is even harder to teach. I remember some 
of the frustrations I felt teaching some students to roll. I have come to 
believe that it was not the student that stood in the way of their learning 
but rather my inexperience teaching to that type of student. Michael, I 
believe you have a reliable roll, no? Would you describe the roll you perform 
as requiring significant strength or inordinate flexibility? When asked if 
rolling is difficult I remind my students that this 46 year old, overweight, 
out-of-shape and inflexible paddler has no difficulty rolling wherever and 
whenever I find myself in need.

>There's no such thing as a bombproof roll either.  Some folks have extremely 
good rolling skills, but there will come a time when they're out of the boat. 
 They need a backup too.

    Agreed. There are really only two types of paddlers, those that have swum 
and those that will. But isn't rolling it's own backup? When a roller exits 
his boat, isn't a reenter and roll the first choice of rescues? Will anything 
more than a paddle float or, God forbid, an assisted rescue be required? 

    Rolling is not a panacea, we still need to observe safety guidelines like 
paddling in a group, dressing for immersion and paddling within our 
abilities. Rolling is a convenience, much faster and safer than a wet exit / 
rescue, but rarely is a roll a matter of life or death. No doubt some WW 
paddlers (and the honorable Mr Lloyd) may take issue with my previous 
statement, but in seakayaking as most practice it, rolls are a convenient and 
enjoyable self-rescue. That knowing how to roll will help every aspect of our 
paddling is pure gravy.

Jed Luby, Team North Atlantic
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************