This is a wild guess, but I'm thinking if your skirt comes off when you go upside down, it's an outfitting problem and something you can fix. I have had the experience of being in a boat that is too big for me, and when went over I just fell out of the boat and my skirt peeled off the cockpit. It happened because I was sitting so deep in the boat, without good contact between my legs and the thigh braces. Then when I went over I could not keep my legs in the thigh braces or my butt on the seat, and practically fell out of the boat. If you can't keep contact with the boat when you are upside down, you have no control and can possibly just fall out.
I have also seen this happen with a couple of beginner girlfriends that started out in boats that were way too big for them. If this sounds like part of the problem, you can fix it by adding foam hip pads and padding up your thigh braces, maybe even a little bit on your seat. Or try a few different boats to get an idea of fit. A well-fitting boat can make a huge difference.
my boat actually fits really well, i was just wondering about the loss of skirtage issue because my dad was saying that it can help to know how to roll it, just in case you accidentally pop your skirt in an area where you wouldnt really want to swim.
and RE: the hard contacts, do you know where you can get them or what breand? because that would be really nice, i dont really want to wear glasses just because of past facial injuries, i have a slight irrational fear about glass and rocks near my head.
Try the site that Count gave (thanks Count, good choice), If not there, talk directly to your eye doctor. If they can't help you, they can refer you someplace that can. They arn't contacts that you just pick up and wear, most ppl have to have them set just right. It took me about 2 weeks to get used to them and get just the right angle to perfectly. The whole cost is a little expense, but well worth when you look at long term costs. starting is high, but its very little every year after. Plus it forces you to get a good night sleep or they wont work as well.
I've had them for over a year, and its better than glasses or contacts. A good choice when your eyes arn't ready for surgury yet.
I think everyone has a slight fear about rocks and our heads - good reminder for always wearing a helmet
thanks for the helmet advice (i should wear one at all times, not just on the river).
however, mine doesnt have a mask, and i would like to either modify so that it does, or get one that has a mask (mostly becuase I've already broken my cheekbone twice and am not really ready to repeat the experiance)
any tips?
A mask isn't always the answer, and people have lots of differing opinions on whether or not it's the safest option. If you do a little searching on this site, you'll see several threads on the discussion. My advice to you as a beginner is to get in the habit of tucking when you go over..."kiss the deck". You can protect your face while you set up your roll by bending far forward and trying to get your face on the skirt. You'll have to think about it quite a lot when learning, but eventually it becomes 2nd nature.
Rocks are an issue in Colorado rivers, so it's wise to learn good habits as a beginner. It was a visit to the E-room and a heap of stitches on my face that convinced me to change my technique...much better now.
Stay will Holley's advice for rolling. A facemask is a good idea, but not for replacing a well done roll. Kiss that deck and you never need to worry about a facemask.
I use mine all the time, but the only time I've ever really used it is on low water play parks and class V tight creeking.
There have been several threads about this in the past, but of course I can only find two now. The ones I've linked below discuss the kinds of helmets that are available. In terms of interference, I think the things that have been brought up include hooking a face mask on an underwater obstacle (such as a tree branch) or sustaining neck injuries. I doubt, however, that it would impede your roll. I'm sure there are others that can offer a better explanation, and hopefully they will chime in. It is a good option to ponder, and there are pros and cons for helmets with and without facemasks.
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