Re: [Paddlewise] Hypothermia Table

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2002 11:38:06 -0800
Shawn Baker <shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com> wrote:

> I found a nifty table on the USCG website describing the survival times
> at certain water temperatures.
> 
> http://www.uscg.mil/hq/gm/mse4/pfdcold.htm
> 
> I wanted to make a similar table for general kayaking use so novices
> can have some idea of what clothing is appropriate at each water
> temperature. [snip]
> 
> I added a [Loss of Dexterity] column, and roughed in the numbers:
> 
> http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/guille/wiki.pl?Hypothermia_Table
> 
> I'd appreciate any feedback--do you think the numbers are appropriate,
> or should some of them be revised up or down?


No big problems with the dexterity estimates except that I think you are too
conservative in the 70-80 F bracket.  I remember as a kid body surfing for
hours in 70F water and never suffering any loss of dexterity.  Admittedly, I
was working hard (and, I was 12-14 years old).

Of course, I would not wear any type of wet suit protection (not even a shorty)
on 70-80 F water.  That's balmy!

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Thu Apr 04 2002 - 11:39:46 PST

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