RE: [Paddlewise] Roll-aid

I have a roll-aid. I purchased it from another paddlewiser, Duane
Strosaker, whose roll is absolutely bomb-proof. Another friend, with a
bombproof roll, has one and carries it as another safety device when he
does a solo open water crossing.

My roll is far from bombproof and I carry it only when solo paddling.
Steve Brown mentioned that it would be difficult to use one handed and
you can't hold your paddle if you use it with two hands.

I have practiced with mine and found that it is extremely easy to get up
when it is used as recommended with 2 hands. The paddle stays next to
the boat and you just grab it and start using it.

If somehow the paddle did blow away, all you have to do is grab your
spare paddle and you are good to go.

As a person whose roll is far from bomb-proof, it adds another layer of
safety. Is it better than a roll, no---but if your roll fails, it is
another method to keep you inside your boat.

You do need to practice with it though. It can be manually inflated for
practice. There is a good write-up of it on the University of Sea
Kayaking website. www.useakayak.org.

Steve Holtzman
Southern CA
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