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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: There is room on the sea for all of us.
Posted By: FBC In Response To: There is room on the sea for all of us. (Jed)
Date: Monday, 20 November 2000, at 8:25 p.m.
: Hi Mike,
: I'd like to take a stab at this since I have some differences with the recent
: tone of this thread. Firstly It is not true that one must have a roll be
: become a considered a competant kayaker. It is possible to perform a
: self-rescue via other methods. In addition the conditions that people
: choose to paddle in are an important part of the equation.: Jed Luby
Before I wieght in on the side of not having to have a roll, ya got to admit it is a lot easier to avoid wet exits if you can. Not having at least a chance to roll up means you know for sure you have to swim, and that limits (for me anyway) how much I am willing to extend the brace, lay over, take a chance with an untried pressing rudder, you name it.
All that said, I agree with Jed that a roll is truly not essential. If you don't have a roll, however, you need to practice a number of other entries. Paddle float, two person rescues, and ways to keep a lot of body out of the water while you rest, sponsons, whatever. It probably limits the conditions you are comfortable in.
Many competent kayakers don't have a roll they can count on 100% (probably no kayaker does, but I wouldn't bet on it in this group). So some time, even the best is going to need a buddy rescue or maybe have to go it alone. Self rescue skills are essential - Rolling is just one of those skills (argueably the best).
So even though non-essential, learn to roll anyway. It's a fun challenge (I haven't got a dependable roll yet, but I am enjoying the ride. Find a buddy and go play.).
FBC

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