May 20, 2012
I don't think I shared this but our kayak group had a pool session a while back and that was when I first attempted a kayak roll. I still had my Eddyline Nighthawk at the time. Our group is really great as we have many experienced paddlers that come out to support us beginners and help us improve our skills. Well the first time didn't go well at all - firstly because I hate the water (remember that?) and this involves actually being in it - upside down - hanging from a kayak. All the rolling video watching in preparation couldn't prepare me for the feeling of panic. I ditched the plan to roll and decided to focus on wet entries and exits instead.
That's one of the major reasons I switched from the Eddy to the CD Slipstream - it was supposed to be easier to roll. For the next pool session, I brought the CD. I felt this time, it was definitely going to happen. I boned up on rolling instructions beforehand and yep, I can feel this would be the day that I rolled.
Fast forward 2 hours. I'm a failure. Every time I rolled over, I kept falling out of the kayak. My cockpit was too big and I couldn't get my thighs or knees to stay in contact with the boat. Never mind trying to stay focused on following my paddle sweep - I couldn't even stay inside the kayak. All I succeeded in doing was getting seasick from all the constant rolling. Sigh...you know what I'm thinking right?
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