Rolling Practice
Saturday the 13th several of us decided to do some last minute open ocean rolling practice. We met under gloomy skies at CIH for a 9:00 launch.

Kevin, Patrick, Peter, Steve, John P, and myself launched toward the pond but after looking at the red tide Peter advised that we paddle out a ways before getting wet. We ended up a mile or so out past the breakwater when water cleared enough for rolling.

We had thought of doing a moderate paddle but it ended up being a more intense, strictly rolling practice with many Greenland sticks, plus wood, fiberglass, and skin on frame kayaks.

We worked on a variety of onside and offside rolls, balance and static bracing. Patrick and John P worked on Greenland static bracing where they support the kayak holding the paddle under the hull for support. Patrick and I worked our offside rolls, Steve completed the rolling practice by making several nice open water rolls with his new Beale stick and came up with a happy face.

After a couple hours of getting wet every one was cold and rolled out. The swell was mild, but the skies stayed overcast and it was breezy and quite a bit cooler than it has been lately.

The only cure we figured was to retire to Big Daddios for some hot food and a good end to a fun workout on the water.

Paul Jonason


Submitted on August 14, 2005