rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote: > > Recently in a welcoming open note to a new paddler on its list server, > the head of the Chesapeake Paddlers Association suggested that "On cold > water (water temperature below about 65 degrees F), suitable protective > clothing is also required." It has to depend on the individual, the risk of dumping, how quickly you can be rescued or self-rescued and on how practical it is to dress for the water temp. Much of my canoeing has been done on water colder than 65 F. On a few trips I was filling in for dropouts on canoe trip leadership courses sanctioned by Ontario Recreational Canoe Association. One of these was in May, ice had been off the lakes for 2 weeks, heat was a problem on portages. In fact one accident scenario was heat stroke & the victim was quite believable. Cold water protection was not worn by anybody, including the instructor. I'm not recommending this but when I paddle on icy water near home, I wear polypro long john's, polyester fleece pants, and a fleece jacket & goretex jacket (or a winter parka). I usually overheat, peel a few layers & paddle in shirt sleeves. I dumped & swam in the above clothes in spring last year. The water was about 2C & I was fine. A bluejean clad member of the group was hypothermic, though he never dumped. -- Lloyd Bowles The Mad Canoeist "Keep the open side up!" http://www.fortunecity.com/greenfield/clearstreets/358/index.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Dec 12 1998 - 11:15:32 PST
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