Re: [Paddlewise] Pogies

Don Dimond wrote:

>There are some paddlers who like wearing pogies so that
>they can feel their paddle shafts with their hands. It
>helps if your paddle is made of wood for your hands will
>warm up the wood. Fiberglass paddles will have an air
>pocket inside the shaft that can rob heat from your
>hands.

  Yesterday I paddled in 50-ish degree weather with strong winds, with a
water temperature about 50 degrees.  I used pogies from the outset of the
trip (with my carbide paddle) and enjoyed the feel of my paddle in my warm
hands.
  The problem came when I had to tow someone who hadn't paddled in strong
winds.  Had to get my hands out of the pogies to deal with my tow belt and,
once the paddler was hooked up, I didn't find (create?) an opportunity to
get my hands back into the pogies.  Had the same problem later, when another
member of the party capsized in confused waves.  I was just a boat length
away, and the rescue went like a practice session, but my hands got *cold.*
  I agree that the paddle is easier to hold, easier to control with bare
hands under the pogies.  But my greatest need for warm hands will be those
times when I won't be able to keep them under there.  Anyone got a
suggestion for a really flexible pair of neoprene gloves with a good grip?

    Bob Volin

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