Both were enjoyed by Saturday’s NACK peer-practice attendees over at Field 10. The bright, sunny skies & mid 30’s temps were a big improvement over last year’s snowy, windy coldwater session; although the 48 ̊ water definitely marked the final day of wetsuit season for me! A pretty steady wind from the North kept drifting us into the fishing pier; so a quick move around to the South side of the dock gave us a protected spot where all the rollers could practice their rolls. Once everyone was satisfied with what they wanted to do, we decided on a short paddle before heading back to Ann & the mobile bagel/hot beverage/changing room support vehicle. We barely paddled a mile East & didn’t quite make it to the Wantagh Pkwy bridge before the allure ofhot chocolate had us all turned around & heading back West to Field 10 to call it a day. But our practice wasn’t quite over.

While using a passing wake from a big motorized barge as opportunity to capsize & practice just ‘one more roll’, Bob got an unexpected lesson that his roll wasn’t quite bombproof (yet) & will now put those upcoming pool sessions to good use working on coming up from his offside. Debbie & Steve also got an opportunity to team up for the assisted rescue while I got to fill in for Lynne & take pics! Once back near shore I practiced getting assisted-rescued myself. The heelhook re-entry went well but my bow rescues not so much. Took a few tries to ‘get-the-nack’ again. Glad for the opportunity to getthis practice in before it really gets cold. And ‘specially glad for Ann coming out, sticking around & keeping that generator cranking for our Après-yak donuts & hot chocolate. Thanks! -Alan M.