Re: [Paddlewise] Roll-aid PLUS

Keith posted (snip):

>>You have to give a puff to clear the tube - then you could breath away.
Has anyone ever actually done this - or is this just some wildhair idea?<<

I've got a kayak-specific breathing tube. I don't like it. It's difficult to
breath with upside-down, with the pressure on your chest. The slightest bit
of water in it is too easily inhaled, prior to a full-blow clearing unless
you've gone over with a full breath. I'd go for the Roll-aid device before
buying a tube (or any other breathing devices) if I had to do it over again
(make safety-gear purchases, that is). There, how about that? A product
endorsement and I'm not even the designer -- or a friend of his!

I do think paddlers can work toward a very reliable roll. After a certain
point, its not about practice or technique anymore (if it still is, you need
some help). After a suitable period of development, failed combat rolls are
attributable to pure psychological issues -- in my opinion. Two of the most
underrated articles I've ever read in Sea Kayaker magazine were one by Doug
Alderson on mind-games to get you back up, and more recently, one by Roger
on breathing techniques.

Another point to bear in mind is that when you go over, you just don't want
to come out of your boat. Until this has happened (perhaps more than once
for some of us) in a bad situation, you can't comprehend how important it is
to stay in the cockpit and self-right eventually. If a roll fails me now, I
don't concentrate on flailing away, getting a good set-up, or fine-tuning my
hip-flick. I simply skull to the surface, even if only for a second, get
some damn air fast, then fall back over or simply resubmerg fully. Then,
with some fresh air, I can concentrate on my roll efforts. I don't care how
long it takes, I don't care how painful it gets -- I'm not coming out of my
boat. There were times in my past that a Roll-aid may have prevented a
rescue and/or long, cold swim. Whether I would have had the wherewithal to
pull the inflation-initiator on the Roll-aid or not, I don't know. Like I
said (objectively), I didn't get any feedback.

I could say that as far as I know, sales of the Roll-aid perhaps have not
been that great. This doesn't denote the fact that the product hasn't been
well designed or endorsed. No, I think paddlers just don't like spending
that much money on safety products, no matter how good the calibre. That is
unfortunate.

As things settled out in my rescue strategies, I decided to retain a Sea
Seat, simply because little else compares if a boat-separation issue occurs.
I can also tow a PIW with it if I had to. And it makes an incredible
re-entry platform, bar none. It is no longer made, so much of this is mute
now (but not for me). I carry it in a pouch on the back of my inflatable
vest -- out of sight, there when and if needed. I carry a small Paddlefloat
on my front deck. It requires minimal inflation time, is highly accessible,
occupies space not alloted for anything else -- and would be ideal for a
paddlefloat-assisted re-enter and roll. As a backup, I carry a larger,
double-chamber unit like Matt sells. It offers increased support for full-on
paddlfloat re-entry, especially in rougher seas. It sits in the rear
NorthWater net deck-bag. Both sit flat and take up little room. With dual
paddlefloat options and a spare paddle, I can even help out an injured or
disabled paddler with port and starboard outriggers if needed. I've
practiced this is rough water with friends.

Of course, nothing beats remaining in your boat. This is where the Roll-aid
shines, and as long as an entry-level paddler doesn't buy one in order to
negate personal responsibility toward pre-emptive paddling, then fine. The
intermediate paddler without a full-on, solid roll, is best served by this
product. Maybe they should paddle with other paddlers too. For the more
advanced paddler, they are in a position to judge for themselves as far as
the desirability of the Roll-aid. An advanced paddler is going to have
rock-solid bracing and sculling skills, not to mention a number of
well-versed rolls. Solid bracing skills will work 49,999 times out of
50,000. And they don't cost anything.

Always paddle presumptively. Assume you may get into trouble. See the recent
Sea Kayaker for a story about a small outing gone bad. Cover the scenarios.
Don't depend on anything, anyone, any device, or any skill that is untried,
untested, suspect, or in anyway, unreliable. Decide what kind of paddling
you are going to do. Will you be the type to avoid danger and trouble at any
cost, or are you looking for some fun and to test your emerging skills and
sports-related seamanship. The two are entirely different attitudes. Admit,
adapt, and adjust to the reality of the kind of paddler you are. Train,
equip, and go for it...for tomorrow (or sooner or later) we all die.

Anyway, here's a list of free and/or cheap gear if anyone is interested:

Breathing tube
Solid foam float
Camp grill
Dromary bag
Short booties
Javelin fleece Farmer John (short)
Spray skirt-neo
Lots of other stuff
No seal bladders, however


Doug Lloyd   Hm (250) 478-5479  Wk (250) 952 3022
Victoria BC
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