[Paddlewise] Prepared?

> My thought was that the concerns we have in our small boats just isn't nearly
> as much of an issue with sailors. It just doesn't occur to them to dress for
> the water rather than the air. 50º water, a few yards off shore, in shallow
> water, right where their childhood trip ended with them in the water then,
> too.
> I guess we need to add a question to our thinking when we choose to go
> without maximum protection, can we walk back in? Are we counting on the
> shallow water to keep us alive? Will the mud keep us from standing up to walk
> in?
>
> Joan Spinner

OK...

For safety's sake, I'll open myself up for some trip planning criticism.

I've been paddling for about two years and  I've owned a Old Town Millennium (17'
x 22") for about a year.  I paddle about twice a month, I've taken a couple of
skills courses, and can self rescue reliably with a paddle float but can't roll.

I'm planning a 3 day/2 night, solo trip to the west coast of Florida, USA (Pine
Island to Cayo Costa Island) in January.  Most of the paddling will be in shallow
(1-4'), protected, 60 deg. water.  The air temperature will be anywhere between
55 and 80 degrees.    I'll be taking along the typical safety gear; pfd, paddle
float, pump, whistle, vhf radio, waterproof charts, gps, extra paddle.   To tell
the truth, I was planning on wearing shorts, polypro long sleeved t-shirt and a
paddling jacket.  After reading the thread about hypothermia, I think I'll be
wearing my farmer john.

I consider myself a pretty cautious person (despite my usual preference for
paddling alone.)  Most of the trip will be spent in the shallows around the
numerous mangrove islands, watching the dolphins, manatees and birds.  The boat
traffic will be light where I'll be paddling except for a couple of brief channel
crossings, and around Cabbage Key.

This is a dream trip for me, paddling around Cayo Costa in a rented boat was what
got me into kayaking in the first place.  Am I over looking anything?

Steve Posti





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