My 2 Cents
Today, Derrick has a nice blog on traditional rolling, teaching and doing. He also states that down here (southern part of Wisconsin) there seems to be less interest in traditional rolling. True, I think. Other than Greg and myself, I seldom see anyone around here with Greenland sticks and never anyone in a skin on frame. I, too, wonder why.
One reason may be the water quality of Lake Michigan. When there is an on shore wind we have sorts of specimens from the vegetable kingdom floating about. More over, the water is colder most of the year. To enjoy an inland lake environment, we generally drive out to Lake Nemahbin which is on I-94 (the road to Madison/Rutabaga...but I digress). It is a 70+ mile round trip, and gas is about 3$ a gallon.
Those I do see occasionally see using a Greenland stick are generally in fiberglass boats. I know that I am hesitant to go rolling alone in one of my SOFs (I have two...much to Lady Linda's delight...but I digress again). If I should lose my paddle (I still haven't gotten around to learning the Norsack roll) I do not know if I could wet exit in time. Interestingly, on Derrick's blog, a reader wrote a comment about how he has problems entering an ocean cockpit on a Nordkapp. 
Finally, it may be a lack of interest in traditional things in general. I, on the other hand, always want to know about origins and the old ways. That's why I like Michael's blog so much. Once I held a stick and did some reading, I was hooked. Anyway, what if you want to get into traditional rolling?
I recommend QAJAQ USA's Webb site and camps. Each late summer there is one in Michigan, and it fills up fast. The only requirement is that you use a traditional paddle. Not said, but just as basic, is a willingness to work, be upside down a lot, to get wet and to roll, roll, roll your boat.
I believe that traditional rolling is easier and easier on the body. It is more gentle and flowing, as well. It really helps one to understand that, based on physics, it is not possible to roll up in a kayak...and I've never seen anyone ever do it. What is possible is to position your body in a way the the kayak floats under you and picks you up. Once you visualize that and understand it, you realize how little the paddle actually has to do with a completing a "roll".
Hey, join us on the water and bring a stick.
Paddle safe...
DS
8 comments:
yeah, it's strange though since up north where the water is colder there are lots of people into the traditional thing. But I also think part of it is just the little enclaves of paddles. As a few in a certain group or area start doing it, others follow. I know up north there are some very active, tight paddling groups that tend to spend lots of time together on the water as well. I wonder if down here we don't have the same group dynamics either?? Just a thought.
We have a small group of paddlers using greenland paddles here in the Minneapolis area, but an even smaller group you would call "traditonal paddlers".
We also have a group of skinny stickers up here in Green Bay - and Derrick's comments about tight, active paddling groups certainly holds true for us, as does Ron's comment about the "traditional paddlers" being an even smaller group. Interest is growing, though. Few more GPs over in Two Rivers.
Thanks for all the good comments. So...I've put out an invite on the Milwaukee Yahoo site for anyone wanting to learn to roll with the stick. Now we will see what, if anything, happens.
I read your post on the Milwaukee yahoo site. Good for you and Greg to start sharing your knowledge on greenland kayaking.
Yes, well...ah...that is...Greg doesn't know I used his name.
One other point is that we in the "City of Lakes" sometimes have trouble agreeing on which lakes to hit. Between RonO and my place, 20 miles apart, there must be 50 lakes to choose from. Lots of opportunity with minimal effort.
So many lakes, so little time. The ice age was kind to you :)
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