[Paddlewise] Bay of Fundy Death

From: Kenneth Cooperstein <cprstn54_at_att.net>
Date: Tue, 04 Jun 2002 12:44:24 -0400
Having paddled the Bay of Fundy in late May a few years ago in the
vicinity of Alma [and swum twice], it does not surprise me that
fatalities occur there.  The air can be over 70 while the water is
around 42.  It is difficult to dress properly for these conditions,
especially in a race.

I was touring and wearing a 5mm neoprene short john over fleece, under
Frogg Toggs -- a combo I find tolerable for these conditions.  After
being flipped by a wave with no help immediately at hand for a T-rescue,
I exited and found myself highly motivated to get back in my yak --
which I did with assistance.  Most of the locals were not wearing dry
suits or wet suits.  A paddling jacket was the most protection I saw.
It's not that they don't know about hypothermia; rather, it seems a
badge of proficiency and toughness up north to ignore it.

Ken C
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Received on Tue Jun 04 2002 - 10:29:55 PDT

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