[Paddlewise] POST SCRIPT to: Into Winter Mode -- water/air temperatures and clothing

A contributor to the NYCKayaker list just suggested that we read the 
following online article:

> As Freezing Persons Recollect the Snow--First Chill--Then Stupor--Then the 
> Letting Go 
> 
> The cold hard facts of freezing to death 
> 
> By Peter Stark 
> <A HREF="http://web.outsideonline.com/magazine/0197/9701fefreez.html">http://web.outsideonline.com/magazine/0197/9701fefreez.html</A>

I just reread that article and urge everyone to read it for a very sobering 
description of the effects of low temperatures!

For the record: Unrelated to paddling, I have undergone extensive survival 
training and have had the (unpleasant) opportunity to amass considerable 
experience putting that training to use under professional circumstances; 
repeatedly in near or actually hypothermic conditions. I have been paddling 
through winters since my teens. My paddling partner was equally prepared.

I sincerely hope that no-one took my somewhat jaunty description of Friday 
night's activities as portraying a casual, lighthearted or, indeed, arrogant 
approach to the situation. The trip was planned, the forecast of likely 
changes in the conditions well known, the required equipment was at hand to 
deal with most possible situations ... 

... I mentioned the result of working without gloves by way of a reminder of 
the effects of the cold (both my partner's and mine were accessible in the 
dry bag together with complete sets of dry and warm clothing in case of 
need). 

My entire original posting should be read as supporting the NYCKayaker's 
caution regarding current water temperatures, bearing in mind that some open 
and "paddlable" water is actually already near or at the freezing point, NOT 
still at 40 deg F!!!

I expressly do NOT advocate that others paddle under the circumstances I 
described. I urge you to approach this type of paddling with extreme caution 
since the result of making mistakes is likely to kill you.

Best regards,
Ralph

Ralph C. Hoehn
Ralph_at_Atlatl-Kayaks.com / Ralph_at_PouchBoats.com
www.Atlatl-Kayaks.com / www.PouchBoats.com
phone: +1-203-324-0901

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************