RE: [Paddlewise] Real life rolling

From: Steve Brown <steve_at_brown-web.net>
Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 11:32:46 -0800
"Real life", I'm sure I've capsized and rolled up many hundreds of times
while playing in surf and rock gardens in WW boats and in touring boats.
Occasionally while on a day "touring" trip I've been hammered by the surf
and had to roll up as well. I can't recall ever flipping accidentally with a
fully loaded boat (I have practiced with them though). Loaded boats are
harder to capsize than an empty one and easier to roll up.
Once your roll becomes reliable you spend most of your time having fun in
the surf (river, tidal current, etc) rather than swimming so you learn much
faster. I rarely flip anymore except when playing really rough. I think the
norm is that those who spend the time to have reliable combat rolls end up
rarely needing them in the end. I still practice my roll EVERY time I go out
though.
As other paddlers have pointed out, even with a reliable roll you need plan
B, C, and.......
A reliable roll will naturally end up becoming a reliable re-entry and roll
(B), and paddle float re-entry and roll (C). Standard PF re-entry and
scramble are others that should be learned.

My advice:
Keep working on your roll. Practice every time you go out, and in
increasingly rougher water. If you don't have an off side roll, start
working on that as well.

Steve Brown

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


I've been reading too many forums and archives on the Net and have read 
several people dismissing the roll as a real life self recovery 
technique.   I'm working on rolling  - I can do it now just need to get 
reliable with it.

So real life - packed for a day trip or a weekend  - did you ever fall 
over, roll up and keep going?

Cheers,
je
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Received on Tue May 18 2004 - 13:30:13 PDT

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