Re: [Paddlewise] scary sight-Wetsuits

Duane & everyone,

None of the seven paddlers who were dressed for immersion was told to dress
in any specific manner. This was there personal choice.

I've known Duane Stosaker for several years and have paddled with him a
number of times. Duane is not your everyday paddler. Very few have the skill
set that he has. And if he were to capsize (which I've never seen him do by
accident), his roll is the 2nd best that I have seen ;-) (he lost the
rolling contest at our local club's first fest by 1/2 of a roll in 30
seconds--he did 12 1/2 full rolls and the winner did 13).

I will also admit that on occasion, when the ocean is relatively flat, the
forecast is for more of the same, and I am paddling with other experienced
(especially in rescue techniques) paddlers, I too have worn shorts and a
poly shirt.

Last Sunday we didn't because there is always the chance of getting soaked
while punching through or landing in Surf. What to wear is an individual
choice, but usually, it is the beginners that one sees dressed
inappropriately and they should be advised of the potential problems by
their teachers and/or guides.

Steve Holtzman

----- Original Message -----
From: <Strosaker_at_aol.com>> It wouldn't paddle at all if I had to wear a
farmer john wetsuit everytime I
> paddled in Southern California. When I am surfing or practicing rescues, I
> wear a wetsuit for comfort because I am being immersed, but the few times
I
> wore them while touring, I couldn't stand the heat. I never wore a single
> piece of immersion protection on any of my big crossings in Southern
> California (see <A HREF="http://geocities.com/strosaker/trip.html">Trip
Reports</A> ), and I think that if I did, I would've had
> heat exhaustion or heat stroke by now. I don't even wear a wetsuit in the
> winter when the water and air temps are in the mid 50's. Of course, I pick
my
> weather, brace and roll very well, and practice rescues, so chances are
that
> I will never have to spend more than a few minutes in the water anyway.
> Again, I am only talking Southern California, which by the way is a colder
> paddling environment than most people think.
>
> Duane Strosaker



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