[Paddlewise] Drysuits,etc.

Hi.  I am new to the list, and new to kayaking, although I have been sailing
and canoeing for years.  

Has anyone ever considered acclimatization as a factor in this? 

When I lived in Vancouver, I used to sail my Laser in Burrard Inlet in
February and March, in shorts, sweatshirt, PFD and toque.  I was good for
over an hour, depending on how spectacular the last capsize was, and how
much spray was coming off the hull.  At no time was I concerned, while
getting the boat upright, about getting too cold to finish the task, or sail
back.  With a drysuit, my time on the water was increased by only an hour or
so.  

A year or so back, I managed to capsize a canoe on a cold lake (5 deg. C?)
in April, dressed in shorts, shirt, and PFD.  I swam the boat back at least
200 yards, until a fellow came out in a rowboat, whereupon my buddy, being a
swimmer, made a beeline to shore.  I got into the boat over the transom,
(second attempt, mind you) then, on shore, emptied the canoe and paddled it
back to our campsite.  By this time, my hands were functional (actually
warmed up in the boat in two minutes or less), and I was cold, but not too
bad.  My buddy, in dry clothes by a large fire for at least 10 minutes, was
still shivering uncontrollably, and his hands were completely useless.  They
didn't become functional for at least half an hour.

So, my points are:

Dry suits are wonderful, but they might not make as much difference as you
might hope - or need.

Being able to function in cold water is a skill or ability, which can and
should be practiced just like any other paddling skill.

If you know your ability under these conditions, then maybe it isn't stupid
to paddle in cold, calm water, dressed for the air temperature.  A roll or
paddle float re-entry is no more difficult than righting a Laser, and should
be easy to survive, even in cold water, if you are accustomed to it.  But
you probably will want to cut the day short about then!

Like anything else, in this sport or life, assess the risks, your ability to
deal with them, and act accordingly.

Rob. 

(Currently living in Terrace, B.C.)

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