Re: [Paddlewise] Coldwater test/bodyfat/future fitness

huck wrote:
> 
> This last weekend I took my kayaking class out for their cold water lesson.
> The air temp high was 45, the water was at 40. And the class seemed to be very
> confident. We paddled 20 miles, mostly with the wind, crossing 3 lakes
> following  the Pelican River in MN.
>(SNIP)

> In this day of get slim, and stay strong, I wonder are we neglecting our
> bodies need for an appropriate layer of fat?
> Without all of our technical gear, could we survive a freezing cold night
> sitting on the side of the river waiting for help?
> 
> Just because we regularly practice cold water safety, can we really survive if
> we need to?
> 

You bring up an interesting question that I see all too often, atleast 
from where I stand, on this list.

Why does all this great training stop here? Don't get me wrong. I think 
it is great, but think it should go a step or two more.

You mention the proper gear and all, and how differant types of people 
react to the water temps. It is also drilled into everyones minds that we 
need to carry proper equimpment on our PFD. Agreed with here. However, 
wouldn't it be a good part of the training exercise to have AT LEAST SOME 
of the people see if they can use what they carry with them to, say, 
start a fire(loads of fun with cold fingers, even if you're good), maybe 
show that they could signal for help, or tell someone where they have 
washed up on shore.
I notice that most of this training that is mentioned assumes that you 
can roll or get back into your kayak. That or just having XYZ in your 
PFD. That I feel is a good start, but real false security. 

I don't know about where you all paddle, but even on these inland lakes 
that I spend my time these days, even if I could call 911 the moment I 
had a problem, it would likely be several hours before anyone could get 
near me. Maybe with the population centers most paddle under there is a 
faster rescue time..?

You wondered about sitting all night waiting on a rescue and how you 
would do. Why don't you test yourself. Better yet, prepare yourself so 
that if it ever happens that you can amuse yourself, with thoughts of 
your goofy screw up, and the ridicule from your paddling buddies. 
Spending the night out without a tent and sleeping bag doesn't have to be 
a life or death situation, but it needs to be planned and practiced. I've 
had the dumb luck to fall through "over flow" ice up in AK and spend -30+ 
zero night after that. My only concern was that my wife wasn't worried 
about me, and that all was OK back at the cabin. Lucky to survive? There 
is no luck at those temps, (well some)just planning for the worst.

I guess this all leads up to the question. Why isn't this part of the 
training?

Something you might think about for the next class.

James


> I can only hope that my kayaking class learned the message of how dangerous it
> can be paddling unprepared. They were prepared, and experienced first hand
> coldwater immersion. I know that they will think twice before traveling on
> cold water without the proper gear. After some hot chocolate, ( a thermos in
> every boat) they were back in cheerful spirits.
> 
> I hope fellow P'wisers practice their cold water as well.
> I plan on asking my doctor about my fitness, suitablility for cold water

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************