[Paddlewise] hypothermia

I second the call for more research on clothing effectiveness in cold water
immersion tests.  As I see it right now the data may only be relevant for
the mythical Joe and Jill average.  (Joe and Jill work for the auto giants
designing seats that perfectly fit them and no one else.)

I'm thinking a 110 pound woman in a wet suit would not do as well as a 200
pound man similarly attired. I think that, but I don't know it.

All of the variables added up means one hard to control and expensive test
project.   You'd need at least 10 volunteers, five men and five women, to
represent the various sizes and shapes of paddlers. To this add 10 dry
suits, 10 wet suits, plus the various combinations of insulating clothing -
all of which would have to be the same make.

The test would have to be conducted in a pool so you could control the water
and air temperature.  This means an extended period of time.  It'll take a
while to rise and lower the temperatures.

Is anyone of us a research scientist with access to lots of money.  Maybe we
should start lobbying for grant and support monies from government, industry
and who ever to get this done.

Or we could simply accept the information that Mark and Shawn have put
forward, recognize the short comings and move on.

Gordin Warner

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