RE: [Paddlewise] cold water for warm water paddler?

I travel with a Khatsalano on business trips to watery places.  Its always
good to hear of other kayakers mixing business wtih paddling.  I just love
the stares I get when I carry my two peice greenland paddle on the plane.

For cold water paddling, I bring a thin paddle jacket,  wet suit shorts, and
a  light wetsuit vest.   If its cold out, I'll bring a polypro shirt to wear
under the vest.  I fit all of the above plus my PFD in the bag with my boat.

Many people on this list would consider the above clothing inadequate for
cold water paddling.  The above clothing, however, is the same stuff I wear
for the frigid winter conditions up here in the Northwest --  unless I'm
planning to spend lots of time upside down (like in white water kayaking or
surfing), in which case I wear a dry suit with a layer of  medium weight
polypro underneath. 

I have never understood how people can paddle a sea kayak all day in a dry
suit or bundled up in thick polypro/wetsuit combinations.  The heat
exhaution would kill me if I dressed for an extended dunk in frigid water.
I have always thought that the key is to realistically apraise how long your
self rescues would take, and dress to survive and function that long.  

For example, my light 2 peice wet suit  will not support an extended swim.
It will let me survive the few minutes it would take me to get back in my
boat should my roll fail (which hasn't happened in quite a while).  And I
know I can get back in my boat in cold water since I practice my paddle
float re-entry roll on a regular basis (in cold water as well). Yes, a wet
exit followed by separation from my boat would definitely kill me.  But, if
the conditions make that event reasonably possible (i.e. very high winds and
rough conditions), I would either stay on shore or get my dry suit.

--Tim

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Bob Denton [SMTP:BDenton_at_aquagulf.com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, December 02, 1998 8:06 AM
> To:	'Paddlewise'
> Subject:	[Paddlewise] cold water for warm water paddler?
> 
> I recently purchased a used K-Light and I'm ready to travel. I will be
> going
> to wild and exotic places like Newark and Pensauken NJ on business and
> wondered if anyone has suggestions for clothing. 
> 
> My usual paddle gear consists of a T-shirt, Bathing suit and occasionally,
> water socks. 
> 
> What is the most cost effective, packable cold water gear? A wet suit is
> not
> an option: too bulky.
> 
> Thanks!
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