>> I have a thinsulate double-layered helmet (and a silk helmet), or really a hood, but seriously considering buying a neprene one. The problem is that neoprene seems to give me allergic reactions and the silk would not be very useful under it because it will definitely get wet when capsizing. A small woder: when I did capsize last spring (water temps +4 degrees Centigrades, I suppose it is something like 36 or 38F?) the thinsulate hood felt safe & warm. No cold shock. Has anyone any experience in that issue? Ari >> ************************************************************************ RapidStyle makes what they call a "Fuzzy Rubber Survival Hood," which covers the head and neck. Fuzzy Rubber is lined with stretch fleece, which is much more comfortable than neoprene, and probably nonallergenic. See http://www.erols.com/rapids/ I have rolled in freezing water while wearing a drysuit and neoprene hood. My face felt cold, but I suffered no cold shock. After a sauna, I have gone for a quick dip in the lake through a hole chopped in the ice. Again, though I ducked my head under the water, I suffered no cold shock. However, I have hyperventilated after holding my breath a long time in 12 degree C. water while waiting for an Eskimo rescue, and I have been told that that is a mild symptom of cold shock. It seems to me that cold shock may be a more complex response than we have been led to believe Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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