[Paddlewise] experience with cold water

Hi, 

A few days ago, there was a discussion on cold water
education for new paddlers.  As someone who took the
sport up only a few years ago, I can give a little
insight.  

It is very easy to underestimate the amount of thermal
gear that is needed.  Plus, the cost of the clothing
on top of a kayak is sort of intimidating until you
know that you really like the sport.  The key for me
was a short section in a general kayak training video
mentioning the cold weather threat.  Plus, everyone in
the video was wearing a lot of gear.  Obviously, new
kayakers just sort of want to fit in.  So it stuck
with me that everyone has a paddle jacket and some
thermal gear.  I jumped on the idea and at least got
the basics.  As my experience increased, I keep
finding the limitations of my gear and have to add
more stuff.  

My suggestion is that just sitting someone down to
watch a general training video with a short safety
section is something folks are willing to do.  Safety
videos are too scary until your really involved in the
sport.  Everyone just wants to know how to paddle,
keep their boat going straight or turn.  So most of us
would be willing to watch a how to paddle video and
the safety information on rescues and stuff just sort
of gets slipped to you.  Sort of a soft sell approach.

Scot

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