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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: emergency roll
Posted By: Greg Stamer In Response To: emergency roll (MT)
Date: Thursday, 7 September 2000, at 5:55 p.m.
: I have a Skerray which I taught myself to roll this summer. I can do a screw
: roll repeatedly off both sides, but can't do it when really tired from
: paddling. I also doubt if I could do it when knocked over with no chance
: to set up above the surface. Is a c to c roll better in an emergency? I
: just discovered this board and it's great! MTWhat do you consider an emergency? Once you learn a good roll, a capsize by itself is no more an emergency than falling down is while skiing.
If I was completely exhausted I would probably scull with an extended paddle on my side with my torso in the water, so that I could rest for as long as necessary, then I would bring the boat upright by a continuing the scull and perhaps adding some hipsnap. The advantage of this method is that the roll can be as fast or slow as needed. Many paddlers assume that a roll must be a quick all-or-nothing proposition, like performing a pole-vault or leaping over a chasm. Although there are situations that demand fast and energetic rolls, I find that the best test of your rolling skill is not how fast and energetic you can come up, but rather how slow and controlled you can come up.
If your roll fails when you are tired then it sounds as if it requires too much energy to perform. Without seeing your roll I cannot say for sure but perhaps rather than learning a new roll at this stage you should simply invest the required time to work on your technique. Find a good instructor if possible. Also practice your roll without taking the time to setup first. A good way to do this is to paddle in a sprint and capsize with your paddle in an awkward position. This will force you to maneuver the paddle into your tuck position while underwater as the first step of your roll.
Greg Stamer
Orlando, Florida
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