Mike said: <big snip> The ideal body shape for cold conditions is short and stocky - meaning relatively muscular rather than fat. This results in a high metabolic rate and a dense body mass combined with a low surface area. Compare a Masai to an Inuk - both optimized for their respective environments. -------------- Good points, Mike. My most cold-resistent moments have been during times of maximum physical conditioning (kayaking specific) combined with a bit of extra weight I carry around on my relatively stocky frame. One thing to bear in mind: I have a number of marine mishap reports from the cold waters of BC, and by far the most incredible stories of survival come from examples of hugely overweight yet relatively fit fisherman, who survive for numbers of days, not number of hours, on upturned hulls in stormy seas. Amazing. My research into hypothermia over the years suggests that folks in good shape with little body fat are at about the same risk level as those less fit with the extra baggage. One or the other, offsets the other, apparently. BTW, a big group of paddlers headed out of Victoria harbor on New Year's day for the annual NY's paddle. Conditions were foggy, but the West Coast has been getting very warm temps lately (which usually means it is cold in the East). I was working voluntarily to make some extra cash to pay for my wife's new kayak, so we didn't join in; but I did go to the beach to meet the returning mob later. Most folks were decked out in dry suites. One fellow had two layers of poly pro, and one heavy fleece full body liner - all under the dry suit. He was perspiring greatly as he peeled off the suit back at the beach. The sun had broken out an hour into the trip. Most folks had overdressed (PW'er Kirby Stevens was there, and he was dressed about right - he has his own insulation, hey hey hey!). I thought it odd with the rest though, as the forecast called for late morning clearing with warm sun. Kirby said he did blow it though, as he forgot his sunglasses (pessimist, eh?) and it was almost impossible to see as they headed into the winter low-level sun. It would appear that no matter what the experience level, we paddlers just never get it perfect in terms of gear, clothing, and pro-active thinking. Then there's me. I usually carry so much gear (read heavy in the water) that I may just pose for a National Geographic spread. DL *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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