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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex
Posted By: Tim Mattson In Response To: Re: Surprise introduction to the Gasp Reflex (David)
Date: Saturday, 25 May 2002, at 2:47 a.m.
: Thanks for sharing this with us. This is one downside to the roll, it
: involves submersion to setup, when one could be out of the water in about
: 30 seconds with a paddle float or 1 minute with sponsons.Wait a minute ... are you a roller? When I capsize, I roll back up in less than 10 seconds. My head is under water no longer than a wet exit would require. I am back up before the impact of the cold realy hits. And I roll year round with and without head gear (that means in mid-40's water in the winter).
This last point is important. It is important to practice rolls dressed as you paddle in the conditions you normally paddle in. If you get in the habit of wearing noseplugs and head gear every time you practice your rolls, then you can be thrown off guard when you capsize in real life. If I'm going to do extended rolling practice, I'll wear the headgear. But almost every time I paddle, I do at least one roll dressed as I paddle (i.e. no head gear or dry top).
I've never had a gasp reflex and I've rolled in 35 degree water without head gear. It hurts, but if you have a reflexive roll, you're back up before the cold fully registers. In my opinion, that's the key to safely dealing with cold water paddling. Practice rolling regularly in real conditions so you aren't surprised when that frigid water hits your face during an unplanned capsize.
--Tim
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