Kayak Pool Session #5 at YMCA Bremerton - Skill Practice (11-27-11)
It was my 5th pool session in every 2 weeks for kayak skill practice sponsored by Peninsula Wilderness Club (PWC) at a local pool. My objective was to comfortably roll my kayak back when capsized. After a few months of paddling about a dozen times, I felt that I was stuck with my paddling skill since I could not roll. If I could comforably roll my kayak, I could drastically improve my paddling skill in tilting, edging, etc. Another way is to spend more time paddling, but I have spent most of my time hiking/backpacking. The last poll session (13 Nov) was a break through day for me. Finally, I understood the sweep roll by correctly doing both the hip snap and paddle sweep. I came a long way to understand the roll: proper setup position of body and paddle, strong hip snap, & paddle blade angle. Much thanks to the PWC mentors & acquantances: Paul, Charlie, Les, Dan M, etc. Today, I was able to do it consistently more than 10 times in a low. However, after the 3rd break, I could not do it with confidence... I guess I was too tired. I need to play more in the water and will need to continue to work hard on my roll. I am looking forward to the next pool session.