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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Ken I don't think proficiency and toughness have anything to do with it; in my opinion kayakers (and other ocean-going boaters) in cold water climes just don't take hypothermia seriously. I've seen boaters off the north coast of Newfoundland within sight of icebergs in summer, wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Water temp was at best high 30s. Survival time? Maybe 15-20 minutes... Al http://communities.msn.ca/NovaScotiaKayaking --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.368 / Virus Database: 204 - Release Date: 5/29/2002 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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