Gene Cosloy wrote:
A recent topic discussed the injury prone high brace. I recently
learned to roll doing the Pawlata or extended sweep roll. After
practice sessions involving up to a dozen rolls my right shoulder
really hurts. The set up under water is exactly the position everyone
warns against in the high brace: arms extended over the head elbows
above shoulder etc. So what gives- how do you protect your shoulder
during the roll? And no I don't think I can learn a hand roll anytime
soon! Any advise is appreciated.

Gene Cosloy

If your shoulder is getting sore, it's an indication that you're doing
something wrong. My guess would be that you're probably rushing the roll
and/or coming up head first. The stress on your shoulder comes from
pulling the paddle across the water too fast and pulling downward too hard.

A properly executed extended paddle roll requires very little effort.
Especially with a good layback, you should roll up almost effortlessly.
One downside of extended paddle rolls is that they give you enough
leverage to roll even with poor technique. I suggest the following:

1- Slow down. Try rolling as slowly as you can, concentrating on good
form and laying back as much as possible. The paddle should glide
smoothly along the surface (or just beneath it) and you should end up
lying on the aft deck facing the sky.

2- Have someone watch you to make sure that you're not rushing, coming
up head first or sitting up too quickly.