Re: [Paddlewise] When in Rome do as the

> From: KiAyker_at_aol.com

> 
>    Although hypothermia is often called the number one killer of sea 
> kayakers, I believe the real culprit deserving the title of numero uno is 
> drowning. I really doubt very many sea kayakers actually die of hypothermia. 
> They may pass out and drown as a result of hypothermia, but they do not, in 
> most cases, actually die of hypothermia.

I can't say myself what the real culprit is.  Only paraphrase from what I've
read of statistics kept.  I don't know if statistics are kept which indicate 
whether or not water was found in the lungs.   
 
> This may seem like nit picking, but 
> if a paddler unzips their drysuit from overheating and subsequently capsizes, 
> becomes hypothermic and drowns, did they die from hypothermia or hyperthermia?

Well, if the paddler "subsequently capsizes" in water that can cause
hypothermia and *isn't* wearing a drysuit or a wetsuit, I guess the point is 
moot. :-)

>    How many people have actually been saved by wearing pfd's? I don't want 
> any anecdotal stories here, but actual documented accounts of people who are 
> alive today because they were wearing their pfd. There is NO WAY one can 
> determine unequivocally that the pfd saved their lives, or that a paddler 
> might be alive today had they been wearing one!

Nope.  But there are statistics which show whether the drowning victim was
wearing a pfd or not (this comment is not to be interpreted as slaming all who
don't wear pfd's as I consider this, too, to be a judgement call).

We often read about paddlers that are incapacitated due to hypothermia
and are rescued.  There are eye witnesses to these events.  My question
was whether anyone has ever witnessed a paddler that suffered hyperthermia
(heat stroke) on the water.  I am not asking as a means to ridicule those 
who don't wear wetsuits or drysuits.  I have been known to not wear a wetsuit
where others did.  But it wasn't because I was concerned about heat stroke.
I just didn't feel the need as much as those wearing wetsuits.  I've
never paddled conditions requiring a drysuit.

But I am curious if anyone knows of an actual case of hyperthermia on the
water due to wearing a wetsuit or drysuit.  It's difficult for me to imagine
a scenario where the possibility of heat stroke exists in conditions calling 
for a wetsuit or drysuit.  I've never heard of it happening.

>    We each must access our own capabilities and the conditions we paddle in 
> and dress/equip ourselves accordingly. There are not any hard and fast rules 
> here. Most sea kayakers cannot reliably roll or perform self rescues. That 
> does not mean that those of us who can should be condemned to the constant 
> ridicule of our fellow paddlers because we have taken the time to build on 
> our skills to the point of being able to rely on them rather then on the 
> equipment.
>    
> Scott
> So.Cal.

You get no argument from me :-)

Jackie

  

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