Re: [Paddlewise] Pogies

Bob Volin wrote:
> 
> 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.

I didn't notice this post before.  Gail Ferris who is quite the winter
paddler (and now lives in Greenland) suggested to me, among a whole slew
of cold water tips, that one fill the shaft with foam.  This is
certainly possible with a two piece paddle.  The only thing is watch out
that it is foam that does not absorb water as water does get into
paddles.

> 
>   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.  SNIPPED
>   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?

I will no doubt get some arguments on this, but the best neoprene gloves
I have found are not the fancy $50-60 Gale Force ones that paddle shops
often push but rather the cheaper $20 ones you can find (Bob, locally at
Ramsey or Campmor) that are meant for fishermen.  The neoprene is not
ridiculously thick and passes Bill Lozano's test of being able to pick
up a coin from a table with them on.  They are highly textured and give
good grip.  Supposedly with real heavy duty wear they will fall apart
but mine haven't.  You can wear them inside a pair of wind or shell
pogies (i.e. without fleece) for real cold days to give you the best of
both worlds...the warmth of pogies with the cold protection of neoprene
when using your hands for something other than paddling.

I also have a set of ridiculous looking neoprene gloves that are
decently flexible.  I say ridiculous because the palm and fingers are
covered with little Body Glove logos made of up of grippier material. 
Can't remember where I got them.  But go for those cheaper neoprene ones
I mentioned.  Get them on the large side.  You want flexibility.  If the
neoprene is too tight you will start get hand cramps from holding a
paddle.  I made that mistake early on with some neoprene gloves since
passed on to my wife.

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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