Re: [Paddlewise] Roll-aid

Rob posted:

>Wow! I had no idea the cartridges were so spendy. How does one repeatedly
practice with something as expensive to feed as that?<

I have the same problem with my Mustang inflatable life vest -- about $25.00
per cartridge/pin replacement. But, the last time I was rescued at sea, they
figured $10,000.00 cnd including military flight/fuel time.

$25.00 seems cheap by comparison to spend once and awhile if a device is
integral toward a major rescue component of a paddler's given strategies.
(In my case I use my vest like a Roll-aid device).

I was given a new, unused Roll-aid a few years ago, but eventually returned
it to the gentleman who offered it to me. He'd spent a fortune on private
rolling lessons and felt he had no use for the device. I, however, never
carried it and upon hearing this, the paddler in question suggested I give
it back to him to let other paddlers evaluate/use it. Last I heard, no one
had, though it appears to be an excellent product. Maybe the Roll-aid
designer should get together with Timmy and come up with a double whammy,
dual-self-inflating-sponson thingy. Subaru could give them away free with a
kayak when you but a new car.

I did find the Roll-aid to be a bit bulky, and best mounted on the front
deck which would be a potential source for banged, cold knuckles. The
rear-deck mounting option looked more practical, but alas, my Nordkapp's
deckspace was at a premium. And how heavy does one want to get? Besides, the
part of my paddling career where I would have benefited from the inclusion
of the Roll-aid was well past by the time I was given one. And I did manage
to survive without it (well, I did and still do, carry two paddlefloats and
a Sea Seat, so how much else did I really need?).

I tried experimenting with CO2 cartridges for the Sea Seat, but the two
minute manual inflation time isn't bad (considering the alternative).

My two most precious ultimate rescue devices (other than a strong, reliable
roll) are my VHF radio -- for the very odd chance I can't get myself out of
a bad spot of trouble, like a blown shoulder or neck injury-- and, as
always, a large bottle of real Rolaids. No kidding. I'd never survive my
back-country cooking and evening  nip of Whiskey without those Rolaids. My
p-r-e-c-i-o-u-s. Don't leave home without them. Ever tried navigating
demanding, rough seas for extended periods with really bad heartburn?

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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