Rolling, rolling, rolling

I've just returned from a very single-minded weekend at a "rolling clinic" at Plas-y-Brenin, the National Mountain Centre.  In three years of kayaking I think I've managed an Eskimo roll probably three times in practice and never "in anger".

Under Chris's excellent coaching I have now got a much more reliable roll, though by no means "bombproof". Yet!

By the end of the first day I was quite dispirited. Though I'd got in a handful of decent rolls I began to fail more frequently as tiredness and frustration set in.  After watching video of my attempts I returned to the pool on Sunday morning more confident and got in a series of successful rolls before, once again, tiredness (but not frustration this time) took hold. With rests (for the mind and body) between attempts I was able to be more consistently successful by the afternoon.

The Snowdon Horseshoe from the Plas y Brenin bar terrace

By the end of a weekend spent indoors and with body aching and sinuses stinging it was nice to sit outside and take in the view before the drive home.