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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Psychology of rolling?
Posted By: Greg Stamer In Response To: Psychology of rolling? (Christian H)
Date: Tuesday, 28 November 2000, at 10:36 a.m.
Christian,
Good post. It is easy to forget that not all newcomers to the sport are comfortable in/under the water. Rather than a wet-exit, the first thing that the Greenlanders work on is becoming relaxed while capsized. The student will tuck forward and capsize, remain capsized for as long as comfortable, and then tap on the hull to signal the instructor standing near the bow, to roll him up.
With practice that "trapped" feeling that many new students feel will disappear. Eventually you may actually feel a calming influence when capsized, once rolling is no longer a fearful prospect. Underwater, the roar of the wind is muted, and I will sometimes relax for a few moments (depending on the situation) before rolling or sculling back up.
I would add to your list, having a basic knowledge of a sweep stroke and other elementary paddling strokes, before learning how to roll. A roll is nothing more than a sweep/hipsnap performed underwater, and learning is much more difficult if you haven't developed the skills to perform a strong sweep on the surface first (especially the paddle control necessary to keep the paddle from diving).
Greg Stamer
Orlando, Florida
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