[Paddlewise] Reasons to wear cold water gear

A couple of recent incidents have made up for some of the many hours spent 
sweating profusely in my wetsuit and paddling jacket in 70+ degree weather.  
The first occurred when I went to see a friends new waterfront lot and 35 ft 
boat.  I got a tour of the boat and since it was almost sundown we decided to 
take a short paddle around the housing development and out to the 
intracoastal canal that passes nearby.  I dutifully put on the wet suit and 
paddlling jacket despite his somewhat disparaging remarks about "overkill".  
His lot has a high dock for access to the large boat, but he added a small 
ramp that floated on the water end to adjust with the tide.  I got in and he 
pushed me down the ramp and into the water.  He decided to try a new entry 
(he had only launched from the dock a couple of times before)  He got into 
the kayak fairly high up on the ramp and tried to slide down the ramp and 
into the water.  The ramp was at a much steeper angle than normal due to a 
low tide and when the front of the kayak hit the water it just lifted the 
middle of the kayak off the ramp.  Being suspended only from the narrow ends, 
the kayak quickly flipped on its side as it continued sliding down the ramp.  
He never even got a chance to brace before he was upside down in the water.  
He exited ok and got back up on the ramp, but the cell phone did not survive. 
 I told him the kayaking god's were getting even with him for making fun of 
all my clothing.  He was not amused at my comments.

Yesterday I "rescued" a motor-boat that had run aground.  There were two 
women and a small child  in the boat.  The were wearing shorts and T-shirts 
and were not really prepared for much work in the 56 deg water.  They were 
just sitting in a "funny" spot just off the channel so I paddled over and 
asked if they needed help.  The driver told me she was stuck and would 
appreciate a hand.  I got out of the kayak and after a little trial and error 
managed to lift up the rear of the boat and push them into deeper water.  The 
muck on the edge of the channel almost ate my booties, but I managed to get 
back into kayak with all my gear and without going for a complete swim.  I 
was glad tha I had on enough gear to feel comfortable getting out of the 
kayak.

I'll still get laughed at for "overdressing" down here and most of the time I 
probably do have on more than I need.  But ever now and then that cold water 
(yes I know 56 is summer water for most of you up north) clothing comes in 
handy despite the air temp.  Anyway it gives me more incentive to practice my 
rolls in order to cool off.     

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday and that the New Year will bring 
many hours of fun and safe paddling.

Mark J. Arnold




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