It may sound very strange: I don't know if I'm a lefty or not! My left arm is stronger, my left hand is more nimble and lots of time when I encounter tough choice I automatically use my left hand; but I write with my right hand (well most of the time. I can do both hand but the left hand writing looks very childish and looks totally different from my right.) I have several cousins and nieces who are lefty. May be I'm one of those confused one -- born lefty but learned to be righty.

Well, about the shoulder: light paddle on flat water is good for recovery -- you may want to switch to greenland paddle. No white water and no rolling for 2 months. Flat water? Ok in a few weeks.
Just take it easy.
How old are you? If you are young and healthy,it may take shorter time.

: Howdy Bret

: Sorry to hear of your calamity and the seperation. ??? I don't know that from
: a hill-a-beans, so just listen to the ole doc and they'll have ya up and
: paddlin' in no time. From a few folks I've known in the past, they are a
: bit painful, but, you knew that already I'm sure. Well, if your
: therapist's name is Griselda or Bruce you are really in for it. I hear
: they like hurting you in the name of excersize and therapy. Have fun!!

: On a lighter note: Welcome to the Left (proper) side of life. Being a
: lefty is a bit..... ,to some. Personally, I feel we were all born right
: handed, but a select few of us get over it. You may have to go buy a
: whole new set of tools for left-handers. And believe me, some are very
: hard to find. Just try to find a left handed drill or bits. Or...uh.. I've
: never been able to locate a good quality left-handed hammer. I personally
: have the only left-handed Pair of Tin Snips known to mankind.
: Unfortunately for me... I learned to enjoy woodworking much more that
: sheet metal. I went to the local labor commission and the EEOC on several
: occassions and got little sympathy from the folks there. They always think
: they are "Right".

: How about it you " Left-Handers " out there? Any of you experience
: the same difficulties I have???

: Good luck on your recovery Bret and don't stop working on your boats just
: because you got an owwie!! Just learn to be creative and enjoy all the
: free time you have to be productive.

: Rehd