[Paddlewise] hyperthermia

At 06:57 AM 4/23/2002 -0700, you wrote:

>I generally never find a PFD overly warm since most of my paddling tends to
>When up a side creek
>in very still hot humid air, I take off the PFD for a second, dip it into
>the water and put it on again soaking wet.  It is like taking a cold sponge
>bath.  The cooling effect lasts for quite awhile.  The other thing if
>conditions are unbearably hot is obviously roll.  But even if you can't roll
>well, or at all, you can grab the bow of a friend's boat and tip over until
>your head and all or most of your upper body are immersed.


these are fine ideas, ralph, but i wonder if you weigh over 200 pounds, or 
over 250 pounds?  i only bring this up because i think it's important not 
to make assumptions about others' body types and limits.  buoyancy, too, is 
quite different in the heavier paddler.  and hyperthermia in hot weather is 
a real risk for heavy paddlers, as wes said.  i've dipped my pfd, too, as 
you suggest, and it is a good idea.  but so is an inflatable.

kcd

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