Homestead mailing list

[<eureka AT hctc.net>]

On Sun, 19 Oct 2008 02:14:47 -0400
 EarthNSky <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net> wrote:

 SIL tried 6
> times to roll, so
> we had a good laugh.  I've got some great pics of that 
> day.  Anyway,
> have since heard that you have to have your head on the 
> deck to get
> over, then twist your hips.  I know it is one of those 
> things that is
> easier said than done, but is that the trick, having 
> your head down?

Actually, I think it is easier done than said. Words don't 
make any sense when you are hanging upside down 
underwater. <g>

I don't teach the roll like many instructors. The roll I 
teach is called the C to C roll. I stand in the water and 
move you through 90 percent of the motions starting with 
the last thing first (the hip snap) and working you up to 
the begining in reverse order. Most of this can be 
accomplished without putting your head under, or at least 
under much. It's really all about fluidity and a great hip 
snap, so there really aren't any tricks. By the time the 
student can execute these competently, I let them do the 
first step on their own, which is dumping themselves over, 
which I think is the hardest part <g> It is very demanding 
on me physically, but it is the quickest way to get 
someone rolling, and it then becomes something very 
natural rather than jerky (or comical, as the case may 
have been!)

The number one reason for a failed roll is not having a 
strong hip snap. The second, and most common one, is head 
position...when moving your spine from a C one way to a C 
the other way you must have your ear on one shoulder and 
then move to your other ear on the other shoulder. You can 
practice this at your desk. If you have the wrong 
ear/shoulder while making a spinal C you would actually be 
making an S with your spine.

There is a very good video called "Grace Under Pressure" 
that is filmed underwater so you can see the fluid motions 
that I recommend anyone trying to learn it on their own.

> Sage, that is only about 2 hours from my house.  Next 
> time you are out
> this way, give me a shout.  There are a lot of good 
> whitewater rivers
> around here.  I'm a Class I girl myself.

I am a solid Class III paddler but, with our drought and 
low CFS, am so out of shape would be a fool to attempt it 
now. I prefer Class II or less these days. We will 
probably make a trip your way in 2009 as I'm researching 
some of my Georgia ancestors in Gwinette Co. and would 
like to visit NC again. Maybe we can have a nice easy 
paddle together!

Yikes! What a story. You are a trooper. That would have 
ended my vacation. I don't make a very good canoe partner 
because I like to be in control of my boat and I don't 
like looking over somebody's shoulder. There is a joke 
about canoeing being the fastest way to a divorce. The 
kayak has much more stability because your butt, and 
center of gravity, is below water level, and having a two 
bladed paddle gives more balance.

> May of 2006 DH decides he wants to build canoe, but has 
> never paddled.
> Bev decides we need to rent a canoe so that he can learn 
> to paddle and
> decide if it is something he likes to do.

The voice of reason!

> before, so it was
> faster than usual.  Also, we had never been there 
> before, had no
> knowledge of the river, had no guide, no companions, 

Sounds familiar....

>  opening.  We were stuck parallel to the current and 
> perpendicular to
> the fall. 

That's called a pin.

> Now, we don't paddle alone.  We carry a first aid kit, 
> and we research
> the river before we go.

Good girl! Sounds like we've both learned some lessons 
from OJT.

--Sage