Doug,
I completly agree with everything you have said. My buddy Eric and I WILL learn the roll before our trip this August. We have made three, week long trips to Superior over the past 5 years without the knowledge of the roll. I have to tell you, it has always left me a little bit concerned. Even though we are good with a few rescue techs., it is the roll that we seek. Luckly, none of us has been out of our kayaks on Superior, so we have only practiced rescue techs. on Superior under our own powers and locations. We did this so that we could see how we can handle the cold water.
I have to run, but I would like to ask you a few more questions later..
Thanks,
Patrick

what an excellent thread. Kudos to you Patrick for discussing lessons learned honestly and without ego. It's really refreshing.

And it's awesome that you are using your experience as a springboard to more knowledge in the way of gear and skills. Our greatest tool remains judgement and respect for the water.