[Paddlewise] When in Rome do as the Romans do?

Here in New England us Romans usually wear some type of thermal
protection (wet suit, farmer john, fuzzy rubber, dry suit or dry top,
neo booties etc.) when going out on the open ocean or large bays when
the water temp is less than 60 F.

I had the wonderful opportunity to paddle in the Pacific NW (San Juan
Island and Glacier Bay) last week and the only protection anyone
(individuals or outfitters) wore were knee high rubber boots.  The water
was in the low 40s in the San Juans and less in Glacier Bay.  I was a
good Roman and went out but was not at all comfy.  What's the deal?

Additionally, the outfitter from Friday Harbor instructed the newbies to
put the spray skirt  over the pfd.  I know it was near a full moon but I
was very surprised. In a week of traveling around in Southern Alaska and
Washington I never saw a wet suit or dry top.

Is is a right ocean right brain; left ocean left brain thing?

    Hal
    Wilton, NH

    Power your boat with carbohydrates,
    not hydrocarbons.
    http://www.jlc.net/~hlevin


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