How about progressively letting air out of an inflatable paddle float? Would it work?

> I finally rolled my Chesapeake 17. Only a Pawlata roll, but I'm
> pleased. I'm rather proud of the learning technique I employed. I
> duct-taped a large piece of styrofoam to one paddle blade and practiced
> the roll. This allowed me to do it in slow motion, paying attention
> to details. Then I cut one inch off the blck, practiced some more,
> then another inch... until I was finally able to roll without any
> added flotation. A bit like using training wheels. I got the idea
> of using a paddle float from "The Essential Sea Kayaker"
> (great book), and very clear directions for the Pawlata roll from
> "Eskimo Rolling". Carving away the styrofoam block made
> sense because I'm a firm believer in establishing a pattern of success
> when learning a new skill. Now I have to repeat the process with the
> more advanced rolls.

>