New Wave Sport Fuse 64

At last, a new Wave Sport Fuse 64 sits in the garage after months of borrowing a friend's to paddle.

Now we just need some water locally to christen the new boat on her maiden voyage.

I had been paddling a 2013 model, and this brand-new 2012 boat came as a close-out deal from Appomattox River Company. They are almost identical, but the outfitting is different in the 2013, which has a moveable seat (it can slide to the bow or stern by twisting a knob) and a ratchet adjustment to raise your inner thighs. The 2012 model does not have these features and instead has the more basic outfitting.

What I think when I roll

A smattering of thoughts ran through my head on my first combat roll of the year. 

I was surfing a wave in 35-degree water when I dropped my upstream edge and window-shaded. Unfortunately, my nose plugs snapped about 20 minutes earlier and were gone, making it worse. 

Here's my stream of consciousness:

1. Shit, I've got a mouth full of water.

2. Don't spit it out, your mouth will fill with more water.

3. Swim!

4. Don't swim. 

5. Swallow the water.

6. Hold your breath.

7. Get comfortable upside down under water. You're fine.

8. Set up.

9. Damn that current's strong. It's slowing my set up.

10. (Muscle memory takes over and I stop thinking).

11. Roll!

12. Whew.

All this transpired in about 5 seconds or so. Remember, stay calm and you will roll.