1/16/08 I've heard of the phenomenon: expert kayaker yaks about how important rolling is--your not a real kayaker until you can roll. Then they spend all their time perfecting their old rolls and learning every conceivable variation. Of coarse they are a safer kayaker, they never leave the harbor! All they need is enough room to swing a blade--no sense paddling farther. They're not kayakers--they're karollers. Rolling becomes the end and not the means. Spent my day in the harbor today practicing my rolling. There was a clear sun sinking in the cool sky and the water temperature was rather uninviting, so I wasn't real enthused as I started with my extended rolls at Pirate's Cove. The deserted beach seemed to suggest this is not the time of year to be playing in the water, but heck, 54 degree water insn't gonna kill ya! On my second NE roll, I lost my hold on the paddle and some how knocked off my nose plug. A snort of water and a couple failed attempts led to my first swim in a while. I did a reentry roll and headed to shore to bail out. There was a bit of an unusual break on the secluded beach that made launching a bit tricky, but once back out in the saddle I decided to try for more. I did about 12 rolls on the day and decided to call it quits. I promise to try to get out of the harbor on my next paddle. I'd hate to become one of those people addicted to mild hypothermia! Mark Sanders www.sandmarks.net *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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