Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

Less is More

Posted By: Greg Stamer
Date: Monday, 13 November 2000, at 9:56 a.m.

In Response To: Re: More is better. (Jed)

Eyes open or shut, do what works for you. However I disagree that bringing all senses to bear is always the right thing to do. We are such visual creatures that I believe that opening your eyes during a roll can actually inhibit rolling by looking for visual clues that may not exist. In real-life you won't be doing a combat roll in the clear, calm waters of a swimming pool and you would be lucky to see your hand in front of your face. Over-reliance on your vision for rolling can be a handicap.

I have always been able to feel where the surface is, even after being maytagged, by waiting a few moments for the turbulence to die down. If this doesn't work for you, then by all means open your eyes.

I agree that you can lose contacts, just as you can lose even the most securely fastened goggles, so I do carry a spare set of glasses and retaining strap.

Greg Stamer
Orlando, Florida

Messages In This Thread

Re: More is better.
M. Hamilton -- Saturday, 11 November 2000, at 2:50 p.m.

Re: More is better.
Jed -- Saturday, 11 November 2000, at 10:24 p.m.

Less is More
Greg Stamer -- Monday, 13 November 2000, at 9:56 a.m.

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