Comments on: Getting warmer http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/2010/02/17/getting-warmer/ Observations on sea kayaking (among some other things) from Argyll, Scotland Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:10:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: pamf http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/2010/02/17/getting-warmer/comment-page-1/#comment-912 pamf Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:58:47 +0000 http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/?p=1347#comment-912 Hi Alice - I would definitely recommend getting hold of "The Kayak Roll" DVD. I've watched it a few times and, every time I realise I'm doing something wrong, I can recall that the DVD covered precisely that fault. The crucial ingredients for me are: sweep, which should be nice and big. Train with a float because it conditions you to sweep out really wide or you won't get your hip flick going at all. Second is head position - watch the blade sweep around, and keep watching it until you roll up, almost like your cheek is attached to your shoulder (the DVD covers this well). Also, blade angle - I've struggled with this at times, but I think it's moreso when the previous 2 elements are going badly, ie I've fixated on blade angle when I'd get away with a bit more if I had the sweep and head right. Regardless, if I'm in doubt, I loosen my grip on the paddle such that it floats on the water surface and then I know it's flat. That's just what has helped me, but doesn't mean to say I won't have to re-learn it all myself! Yes, it's not summer yet - but definitely getting there. Enjoy your paddling too! Hi Alice – I would definitely recommend getting hold of “The Kayak Roll” DVD. I’ve watched it a few times and, every time I realise I’m doing something wrong, I can recall that the DVD covered precisely that fault.

The crucial ingredients for me are: sweep, which should be nice and big. Train with a float because it conditions you to sweep out really wide or you won’t get your hip flick going at all. Second is head position – watch the blade sweep around, and keep watching it until you roll up, almost like your cheek is attached to your shoulder (the DVD covers this well). Also, blade angle – I’ve struggled with this at times, but I think it’s moreso when the previous 2 elements are going badly, ie I’ve fixated on blade angle when I’d get away with a bit more if I had the sweep and head right. Regardless, if I’m in doubt, I loosen my grip on the paddle such that it floats on the water surface and then I know it’s flat.

That’s just what has helped me, but doesn’t mean to say I won’t have to re-learn it all myself!

Yes, it’s not summer yet – but definitely getting there. Enjoy your paddling too!

]]> By: Alice http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/2010/02/17/getting-warmer/comment-page-1/#comment-911 Alice Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:07 +0000 http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/?p=1347#comment-911 Hi Pam, Interesting comments on the rolling - I liked your blue screen metaphor. I have only just started to learn to roll and after a couple of pool sessions seemed to be making good progress. But during my third session I have regressed - poor finish position, head all worng etc. I am trying not to let it get to me. Any tips? I was out this weekend and although sunny, the temperatures are definitely not spring-like yet. Full winter kit required - especially for the rescue practice! Happy paddling Hi Pam, Interesting comments on the rolling – I liked your blue screen metaphor. I have only just started to learn to roll and after a couple of pool sessions seemed to be making good progress. But during my third session I have regressed – poor finish position, head all worng etc. I am trying not to let it get to me.
Any tips?

I was out this weekend and although sunny, the temperatures are definitely not spring-like yet. Full winter kit required – especially for the rescue practice!
Happy paddling

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