Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water Clothing

>>>I paddle mostly calm in-land rivers, nothing too big, no rough water (in
the


winter especially).  I always wear my PDF.  I usually paddle within a 100


feet of shore or less.





        Living here in NJ, we are used to paddling all year 'round.  Most
lakes and other quiet bodies of water will be frozen, of course, but there are
always some rivers open somewhere.  There's even a traditional New Year's Day
paddle.  


        From what you are saying with regard to your paddling predilections,
proper precautions would be of far greater importance than absolute protection
against cold water -- an illusory goal anyway..


        Since most large bodies of water will be frozen, we won't be on them,
and the likelihood of being immersed in cold water for a length of time is
minimal. We'll get cold but the shore is right there and we can usually get
out.  So the problem translates to keeping warm After you've been immersed.
To be sure, we try to wear a wet suit at the very least.  Most canoe clubs
recognize that new paddlers may not be able to afford, or be knowledgeable
about, wet- or dry- suits.  So at the very least, club rules here require at
least one complete change of clothing in a waterproof bag.  If you're a
terrible paddler, then two!


    Any club trip during the winter months requirea a minimum of Three (3)
boats.  One might be the victim, but the others can stay and help and if it's
serious enough, one can stay and the other goes for help.  We often will spot
a contingency shuttle car somewhere along our planned route.  








>>>Right now I have a NRS HydroSkin Little John wet suit, NRS HydroSkin
Gloves,


and a pair of Teva water shoes for paddling.  I was thinking of picking up


an NRS HydroSkin Mysterytop (long sleeves) and some HydroSkin socks.  Under


the Little John and Socks I'll wear my thermax long underwear (synthetic


material that retains your body heat--I've warn it while motorcycleing. 





        Don't do this.  Wetsuits are meant to be worn directly against the
skin.  They're called wetsuits because they don't block water completely.  In
cold water a little water will enter, but your body heat will quickly warm it
up.  You don't want to leave a channel of some kind, e.g. underwear beneath
the whole thing because water will flow into it, you'll have to lost somewhat
more body heat to warm it, and if you remain immersed even more water could
come through, etc. etc.  Where I've gotten dunked while wearing a wet suit, I
typically find that it's wet around the periphery, e.g. should straps, sleeve
ends,  but the central core of the suit remains dry.  If you wear long johns
or other such, it should always be on the Outside of the wetsuit.


        Wearing synthetics is a good idea -- or Wool.  both are similar in
that the fibers do not absorb water  so you'll have some residual thermal
protection even if wet.  take it off, wring it out a little and it will still
stand you in good stead.  Cotton is unfortuately very efficient in wicking
heat away from your body, especially when wet.  





>>>You can't roll a pungo so I have no intention of getting a full spray skirt

but a half skirt might be a good idea just to keep the paddle drips off of


my legs.





        However, a full sprayskirt will also keep the heat you'ver radiated
away within the boat and you'll be warmer.  I was always amazed how toasty I
felt in my ww kayak when others around me were complaining about the cold... 






>>>Do you think this will be enough gear to keep me warm and safe in 50 degree

weather?





        We paddle worse than that around here.  The important thing is to
think ahead about safety and what you can do to keep yourself alive and
functioning.  In your case, plan you wardrobe for short-term immersion but
long-term heat recovery.  





Joe P.








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