a winding apparatus has a rotary element , such as a core , that is rotatable about a winding axis . a roller is disposed adjoining the rotary element . the roller and rotary element together define a nip . a guide shoe has a chute wall and a plenum . the chute wall is aligned with the nip . the chute wall has an inner end disposed between the roller and the rotary element and an outer end spaced from the roller . the chute wall has a plurality of bores communicating with the plenum . in use , gas blown through the bores propels a web to the nip in a fluid film . the free end of the web is guided from an outfeed end of the nip in a loop to a second position adjoining the inner end of the guide shoe . during the guiding , the rotary element is rotated against the loop . this continues until the web overlaps and is cinched .