In Search of a Roll

by Irene J. Bozogan

Ahhh, the Eskimo roll. Although it is a technique that 99% of recreational touring paddlers do not need to learn, it is a technique that I am driven to learn. I have visions of myself on the lake and rolling just for the fun of it --rolling just because I can -- rolling just because it is sooooo cool!

The Eskimo roll separates the fun paddlers from the serious fun paddlers. It's that step up that I seek. A whole new paddling world will open up when I get a reliable roll. I'll have greater confidence in my abilities and I will be able to do more things safely.

I'm a person that lives by deadlines. Last August I turned 50 and the Eskimo Roll was the gift that I was going to give myself. A group of friends would come to our pool and we would practice weekly. Mitch was our very patient and encouraging instructor. It was exciting to see the progress everyone was making. Craig was the first to get it down. Jay beamed when he first ended upright in his boat instead of up-side-down. Bill developed good rolls for the pool. John was a little frustrated and I only did 2 rolls. Almost everyone was doing well and my deadline was drawing near. However, the weather turned cold. I turned 50 without having a bombproof roll. GRRRRR

Now that spring is coming, thoughts again return to the roll. This time I have extended my deadline. Now I tell my daughters that I will roll before I'm 75! Actually, I want to be able to roll when we go sea kayaking in Maine this July.

So, our merry band of paddlers returns to the pool. This time we are at the YMCA because our outdoor pool is still frozen. Robin is our very patient and encouraging instructor this time. Rolling comes back to Craig, Jay and Bill. Mitch has been doing it for so long that this is just a splash in a hot tub for him since he does it outside in 35 degree water. For John and I though it's still a struggle. However the second time in the pool, I'm watching John and I see him do his first roll! As he came up he looked quite confused. It was as though he was surprised that he could be breathing air instead of gulping water. It was so exciting. We all cheered him on. He got the technique down that evening.

Now everyone in our group is rolling except me. I have some consolation in that there are other guys in the pool who look worse than my attempts. My hip snap is not aggressive enough and I'm drinking way too much pool water. I did better the 2nd week than the 1st. So hopefully this 3rd week will be the charm.

· I WILL get that snap and head dink going.

· I WILL do an Eskimo Roll.

· I WILL let you know when that happens and

· It WILL happen before I'm 75.

Happy Paddling,

Irene