[Paddlewise] Day #68, A Conundrum

8/12/08

The best way to describe today's paddle is to tell that Ken begged not to
have to write the trip report so he wouldn't have to describe how pathetic
my rolling was today!

We finally had a day that it was hot enough that when you got to the beach,
you wanted to be upside down in the water! It's been the day I've been
waiting for all summer to get in some rolling practice. Fresh off our
endless paddles, Ken and I were happy for a paddle that need not ever leave
the harbor. We set off for Pirate's Cove and passed a beautiful new ocean
catamaran called "Hula Girl" that just hit the water this week.

PC was crawling with sand urchins as we set up practice. Ken had his
Superior GP and started off fine. I had my Redondo Ridgeback, which I'm not
positive I've ever rolled with, but hoped some practice today would have me
rolling like Duane. I also had my homemade GP and my BK freebee to back me
up. On my first attempt, I realized an interesting conundrum. On hot days
when you want to roll, you need to put on a lot of sunscreen. Sunscreen on
you hands holding onto a slick wooden paddle tend to slip at the most
inopportune moment. On two attempts, at the top of my roll, the paddle
slipped out of my hands and I was soon enjoying the cool water of Newport
Harbor.

A couple reentry rolls got me nowhere, so I used Ken's bow to right myself
and let my pump clear out the boat. I figured I'd better get in a good frame
of mind before continuing, so I borrowed Ken's Superior and knocked off a
couple rolls. Of course, using a Superior GP is like doing a paddle float
roll, but I was happy for anything at the time. Ready to go again, I pulled
my GP out of my quiver. Once again, at the top of my roll, my paddle went
flying and I was once again swimming. Ken on the other hand was having no
trouble rolling in his Shadow and had plenty of advice to solve my rolling
problem. Sadly, there was no answer to be had. I can only conclude that all
the miles I've been putting in lately have ruined me for the true purpose of
kayaking--rolling! I was one for four with the paddles I had today and my
only success came on the one I didn't bring! I'm of the mind that it's
easier to roll when the water's freezing cold and you have some incentive,
because I felt great swimming in the water today. All in all, I'm not too
worried; I guess I just need to get out on my own and do some practice. I'm
still hoping to someday have an easier rolling boat, but in the mean time,
maybe Jeff Libby could give me some pointers. I heard someone taught him how
to roll lately!

Mark Sanders
www.sandmarks.net

#
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