RE: [Paddlewise] Grace Under Pressure

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2003 20:01:07 -0400
On 11 Sep 2003 at 17:16, Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com wrote:

> Pardon my ignorance... is there a difference between a WW roll and a
> Sea Kayak roll?  I just figured that each type of roll was the same
> regardless of which type of boat you were in.  That is, the "XYZ" roll
> is done identically, regardless of being in a WW boat or a Sea Kayak.
> Is that not the case?

I'd say that's pretty much true.  

I almost agree with Duane, in that some rolls are "better" in sea 
kayaks and others in WW.  My only comment would be that it is partly 
due to the paddler.  IOW, some people, regardless of background, have 
an affinity for one type of roll just, well, because.  Perhaps it's 
the first they learned, perhaps the one they feel stronger with, 
perhaps the one that's smoother etc.

I wouldn't recommend that a sea kayaker learn a rodeo roll as a 
first.  However, if you're serious about heavy duty WW (or surf/rock 
garden sea kayaking a la Tsunami Rangers) then it's one you should 
probably know.  Then again, I wouldn't emphasize layback rolls for 
serious WW paddlers - they need to return to the combat position fast 
and should use modified sweep rolls that finish sitting up rather 
than laying back.  

The standard sweep roll is the most basic and one of the easiest to 
learn.  You can start with an extended paddle and progress to the 
screw roll as your technique improves.  There are some good video 
clips on the Qajaq USA web site:

http://www.qajaqusa.org/Movies/movies.html

Check out the standard roll video.  Note the hand positions he uses - 
in particular how his inboard hand stays on his chest near the 
shoulder at the end of the layback.  This forces you to keep a paddle 
that is flat to the water - some beginners tend to lift the inboard 
handle high and that can force the paddle deep.  Note also that he 
switches to a low brace reverse sweep as he sits up.  This makes for 
a solid, reliable layback roll with a stable recovery.

Mike

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Received on Thu Sep 11 2003 - 16:54:30 PDT

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