I was actually formally taught a "hand of god" rescue in an all day class
last August but it was described using a different name. I'd never seen
it
described such that that capsized paddler would reach up with a hand for a
rescue. The technique that I was shown was for a paddler, upside down and
still in the cockpit, but for one reason or another in unable to assist
with
their own rescue. It was simply called a 'trapped paddler rescue" and
rather than grab a hand, which could possible be attached to the arm of a
dislocated shoulder, grabbing the pfd was recommended.

This is the way that I learned the technique as well and have always taught
it that way as an instructor. You never know what injuries the upsidedown
person may have and always need to be cautious. As a whitewater paddler I
was taught that the name was the "hand of God" rescue. Whatever the name
though it really doesn't matter to me since it all refers to the same thing.

I wouldn't consider any technique which might be used to return to an
upright position superflous. While the term "bomb proof roll" is also
thrown around a lot I don't think it's every a good idea to put all your
eggs in one basket when it comes to your own safety. There are just too
many possible scenarios that might result in failing to roll for even the
most accomplished of paddlers.

I agree with you again. When I referred to my "almost drowning" incident in
an earlier post, I had a paddle and a hand roll on both sides for years that
had never failed me, and well, in that particular case, sh-t happened and
nothing worked. That's why to this day when I'm getting ready to run a new
rapid that makes my stomach turn I think of all the scenarios including
where to swim to if things don't go the way I had planned.

Courtney