I'd agree with Pat. Rolling is the best idea, but is really only realistic in a playboat for mere mortals (Yeah, I know Paul Mason and Mark Scriver can roll Prospectors). So unless your paddling a playboat, it involves a swim, and then a self rescue, assistance from others, or a combination of the two.
There are lots of canoeing books, and opinions on what to do. In my historical swims, rarely have things worked out such that there is an exact group of efforts that I could follow textbook style. For me like you, upsets only happen on the rare occasion, so it's not like I expect it and have time to think about it. I find that I usually have a paddle in my hands, and rarely have I swam in the circumstance that I have a huge amount of loose stuff in the boat to set up a yard sale along the river for two miles. Some times I've been able to grab the boat, sometimes I'm nowhere close and somone else needs to pick it up, or I have to walk down the shore to get it. I don't think I've ever rolled a boat to aid pulling it from the river, but I'd agree with Pat, it sounds alot easier. On most of the self rescues I've dealt with, I think I've just grabbed the boat and pulled it towards an eddy or so it will catch on the rocks along the shore.
I too think you're better off with rescue than you think. I think you might benefit by swimming a few rapids without the boat (ie: purposely swim the rapids that you paddle). I've done this as part of canoeing classes, and to a degree it helps to allay some of the fear of swimming. In a little respect for not-swimming, does wonders for developing a strong brace, and even working on rolls, but you also need to have atleast experienced a few swims to push that uncertainty from your mind.
Most canoeists have never had instruction in river rescue, and unfortunately that's not that good. I know I should take another class myself. But, if you are feeling uneasy about the skills you have, then maybe you should consider a rescue class to up your confidence.
PK
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