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Rolling success!
By:Timothy - Toronto, Ontario
Date: 8/10/1998, 9:45 am

I finally rolled my Chesapeake 17. Only a Pawlata roll, but I'm pleased. I'm rather proud of the learning technique I employed. I duct-taped a large piece of styrofoam to one paddle blade and practiced the roll. This allowed me to do it in slow motion, paying attention to details. Then I cut one inch off the blck, practiced some more, then another inch... until I was finally able to roll without any added flotation. A bit like using training wheels. I got the idea of using a paddle float from "The Essential Sea Kayaker" (great book), and very clear directions for the Pawlata roll from "Eskimo Rolling". Carving away the styrofoam block made sense because I'm a firm believer in establishing a pattern of success when learning a new skill. Now I have to repeat the process with the more advanced rolls.

Messages In This Thread

Rolling success!
Timothy - Toronto, Ontario -- 8/10/1998, 9:45 am
Re: Rolling success!
Mark Kanzler -- 8/10/1998, 11:53 am
Re: Rolling success!
Mike Scarborough -- 8/11/1998, 12:39 am
Re: Rolling success!
Shawn Baker -- 8/10/1998, 11:23 am