The state of Colorado is going off right now - 90 degree weather yesterday turned the rivers into a frenzy of snowmelt.
I boated well without hip pads - felt much looser in the boat and it took some time to get used to. Never went over because the high water padded out all of the rocks. Did a couple of eddy rolls - felt about the same as with hip pads. Guess I'll keep the hip pads out for awhile and see what happens when I HAVE to roll!
My first rule of rolling: Get into postition, then before the snap drop the left shoulder as far as possible (if yer coming up on the right side of boat, reverse for lefties). Ya need to have your shoulders horizontal for the best shot at a good roll. If I adhere to my own advice I do well... Bow to the river, and it'll let you up.
I lowered the seat in my Detonator by 1.5 inches. Haven't missed a single roll since. I've hit about 25 combats in three weeks. Yeah I know I flip a lot, but do it, pushing myself and trying moves that I have a slim chance of making at this point....and i do all that knowing, I won't miss the roll.
My advice is try lowering the seat, keep practicing. The setup is also the biggest part, which I'm sure you already know. But try setting up with your paddle on the outside of your boat, with power face facing out. This is a setup Gumpy taught me at Cheatfest...between that and lowering the seat, like I said...haven't missed a roll.
Cdawg
I do try to keep my body square to the river bed but I've never thought about dropping my offside shoulder. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm setting up.
fullgnarlz
I've tried that setup a few times - I didn't really notice much difference in the roll - but it's been awhile, so I'll give it another try. And my saddle is as low as it's gonna go
I actually wouldn't mind a det - but royalex just doesn't last very long on the front range
