Re: [Paddlewise] Roll-aid

In a message dated 2/2/2004 12:54:19 PM Central Standard Time, 
sh_at_actglobal.net writes:


> So let me see if I understand this correctly:
> 
> A big wave blasts you over; The roll attempt fails and you are now out
> of air. So you wet exit into the cold water..........

Not likely ; ). Actually if I was out of air from multiple attempts at 
rolling I'd likely be so for a Roll Aid.

> 
> The Roll Aid is NOT a substitute for a roll. It is an ADDITIONAL safety
> layer, not your first choice. When you "let go of the paddle", you
> should trap it between your arm and the boat. It is right next to you
> between your arm and the boat as you come up.

I can see it working in flatter water, accidental capsizes from goofing off, 
photos, etc., as Keith mentions. But in rough water I would view it 
suspiciously. Your paddle might stay in place, might not. You might have a tether on the 
paddle that saves you from having to reassemble a spair, but that might 
tangle in the Roll Aid tether. I think the amount of practice one dedicates to a 
Roll Aid in all water conditions can be dedicated to rolling. The device might 
be considered by someone to be a good bridge product between not having a roll 
and a competent one. If I had one I'd learn to roll with it without thinking 
of letting the paddle go, if that's even possible. But like a lot of things it 
can also be one more product needing inspection, maintenance, practice in a 
variety of conditions, all of which can be dedicated towards a dependable roll.

> 
> You also don't try to stow the float after use. It has a tether that
> clips onto a deck line in case you need it again in the conditions that
> knocked you over. You can lean on it while getting your spare and it
> will hold you up. It is not possible to fold and re-arm the device while
> sitting on the water, that's why they suggest not deflating it. If you
> clip it to a deck line, it is very little drag and you have it available
> for re-use.

We still have entanglement issues, possible interference with paddle strokes 
and braces. Now I have to paddle with this thing all day? Should one land to 
reassemble into a redeployable product or can a few minutes after rafting up 
with someone make it redeployable?


> 
> Like any self rescue skill though, it takes PRACTICE. If someone were to
> purchase one, thinking it would replace learning to roll and all they
> need to do is attach this to their deck and they will be safe,  they are
> terribly mistaken. Even the manufacturer stresses that it is NOT a ROLL
> REPLACEMENT. It is a last ditch effort prior to doing a wet exit. Once
> you have learned to use it, you can also use it one handed - although
> that does take a good hip flick to make it work.
> 
> 

Or, a hip flick that is likely good enough to make a real roll succeed. No, 
I'll stick to 4 season rolling practice and save my money for rolaids needed 
after reconstituting the dehi chil. People travelling by air will also need to 
procur co2 cartridges locally as they are not welcome on planes. It can work 
but the opportunities to put me in a more vulnerable position than after a roll 
are just as possible.

Just my 2 cents,

Rob G
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