rolling the SOT

Im fortunate to work with a couple paddlers and after a brutal weekend we decided to put some plastic on the water. We got off duty at 0900 then headed to lake countys best H2O.
One of the guys is the owner of my old malibu 4.4 and it was so sweet to paddle the "Red Rocket" again.
One of my goals for 09 was to work on a bomb proof roll in a SOT. It had been awhile for me and I was the great example of "if you dont use it you lose it". My technique was horrible but I did manage to roll the red rocket with some competence, the T140? well, not so much.
That is alot of boat to get back over but I learned alot and realized I need to practice ALOT more to make it happen. The T160 may be easier to roll but WS decided not to equip the new boats with attachment points for leg straps.
Went back to the basics that my mentors had taught me when I learned to roll a WW boat.
Started using a extended paddle sweep and wearing a mask for comfort and good visualization for the set up.
We found that the combat roll was more effective than the CtoC style.
After we decided to paddle back to the launch we stumbled upon and power boat that wouldnt start for a couple of kids, so, BH was paddling the rocket and decided to give them a tow while they hung on the back and enjoyed the ride. Its just how hes wired.

Was hoping for some advice if there are any other NCKA paddlers who are practicing rolling the SOT. any help is appreciated. thanks

Show off.    I am impressed. I could do a scupper pro long time ago but I would nearly drown myself doing it. Thigh straps are a must.

-Brian G

Sweet.
 I used to be able to roll my little wave witch with thigh straps, but am very out-of-practice. I only ever progressed as far as a C to C. CtoC was pretty easy to do in a composite 17' SIK, much tougher on a plastic SOT!

You're pulling your head up too early ... 

-Allen

A few tips I tell my students...
Whether c to c or combat (back deck roll?) get comfortable and practice one style until it is bombproof.

Practice hip snaps to develop the muscles and muscle memory.You can do this solo on a dock by using your finger tips on the dock to hold you up as you lean your head over to the water's surface. Then practice snapping the boat back underneath your body.Then, imagine the dock is made out of egg shells and try not to put pressure on the dock as you practice hip snaps.

Get comfortable under water and take time to set up correctly.The goal is to be careful with the set up, so you only have to roll up once.

Try "choking up" on the paddle.You might even grip a blade and do a broad sweep on the surface as you practice your roll.This has worked for me in longer SIK loaded with gear.The key with the sweep is keeping the blade gliding on the surface at a climbing angle.Don't let the blade dive or try to force your way up by pushing down on the paddle shaft.

Practice rolls for only 20 minutes at a time and end on a good roll.Don't over do it and get discouraged as your muscles fatigue.

Have a buddy video your practice and watch it later.Pay close attention to blade angle and positioning during the sweep and watch what your head is doing.

Have fun practicing!

You're pulling your head up too early ...  

-Allen

nice catch Allen.
there is another shot that shows "the wrong C" that is even worse. its embarassing.
need to plant that right ear to right shoulder and focus on exiting the water the same way I entered the roll. the T140 is not like anything ive ever tried to twist over.
it feels massive when your hanging underneath it and it doesnt feel like an extension of your body like a SIK or surf boat.
It takes my entire sweep and most of my hip snap just to break the water seal on the boat then the paddle dives and its over    again
I need to get better

thanks for the help guys

was also a good day to confirm that big bass like there usual hangouts (30oviz).  
snapped off a shot of a very wise mother duck.

Rolling a Scupper (Pre-Classic) is a snap. Rolling a T160 is definitely not. I usually have to choke up or even go to a Pawlata roll to get the big dog upright. Forget even trying a weak side roll on the T160, I'm just not that good.

A trick I learned from Jan Shriner of Eskape Sea Kayaking is to look at the swept paddle blade during the roll. This naturally will keep your head against your shoulder.

Scott