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From: June Ruckman <jujube_at_sbcglobal.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] Roll-aid
Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 19:00:12 -0800
Has anyone tried this product and/or heard good things about this
righting aid that lets you recover from a capsize without leaving the
boat? This CO2 powered can also be used a paddle float. It costs $123
and extra cartridges are $12.50. Check it out at: www.roll-aid.com.
Thanks for your feedback, June _
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From: Steve Brown <steve_at_brown-web.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Roll-aid
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 07:23:12 -0800
Same comments I posted on Buzz, for the same question posted by Ingrid:

Way more fun than dying of hypothermia.
I met a paddler a few years ago at Morro Bay who had one. The guy had an
exceptionally smooth and effortless sweep role. He told me he had missed a
practice roll one day on a solo paddle in open water and used device.
Apparently, it worked well for him. He practiced rolling constantly (why he
was so good at it), but viewed this device as a useful emergency backup for
solo paddles.

A couple of observations:
A viewing of the photo sequence reveals that the tester does a very good job
of keeping his head in the water (head dink) until the boat is up and is
therefore probably an excellent roller. For someone who doesn't roll this
will not come easily or naturally. By the time it does, you will be able to
roll with your paddle.
If you don't use it with one hand, you loose your paddle. IMO the chances of
a non-roller using this successfully with one hand is very low. Most
non-rollers have a lot of difficulty with Eskimo rescues and the motion is
very similar.

Before buying, why not try it with and inflated paddle float to get the feel
for it? I have heard of some people carrying an inflated paddle float (or
foam PF) on their deck in rough water just for this purpose.

Steve Brown

-----Original Message-----

Has anyone tried this product and/or heard good things about this
righting aid that lets you recover from a capsize without leaving the
boat? This CO2 powered can also be used a paddle float. It costs $123
and extra cartridges are $12.50. Check it out at: www.roll-aid.com.
Thanks for your feedback, June _
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here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
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From: Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Roll-aid
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 07:45:51 -0800
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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From: <jfarrelly5_at_comcast.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Roll-aid
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 14:07:23 -0500
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Holtzman" <sh_at_actglobal.net>

> 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.
> Steve Holtzman
 I have  very good brace and rolling skills and practice every time I go out
unless its really cold. (<55 F) I hadn't come out of my kayak in a very long
time.  Last fall I was surfing in my Pintail and went over in some mush.  As
I came up my footpeg came off.  I should have been able to handle it but the
surprise of having no footpeg psyched me out and I ejected.  Boy was I mad
at myself.  Ego is an ugly thing to bruise.  Even when its "not your
fault".You never know when you are gonna blow it.
Jim et al
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