Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water

> I, having somewhat good skills generally, have experienced cold water
> immersion post-capsize. I _know_ I need immersion protection. The colder the
> water, the more I want.

I believe that experienced paddlers (which would include familiarity with
getting into a kayak after a capsize) should be able to make a sensible
decision as to whether or not they want to use a wetsuit or a dry suit.

Some will weigh the risks of NOT wearing a dry suit / wetsuit against the
discomfort that THEY perceive in wearing such gear. Kayaking carries some
risk. Driving a car carries some risk. You might be safer wearing a helmet
when you drive a car. For comfort reasons, people do not. I do not like
wearing this gear and generally I do not. Many experienced kayakers agree
with me. Many do not.

I know advanced kayakers who play in rock gardens. They get enough pleasure
from this activity that they do it. It is probably more dangerous for them
to be playing in that rock garden with their full regalia of helmets and dry
suit than it is for me to paddle in Puget Sound (water temperature 53 F)
without a wetsuit or a dry suit. I get enough pleasure from not wearing a
wet suit/dry suit that I do not wear one. It is an informed decision.

Paddling alone is more dangerous than paddling in a group. People still
paddle alone because the pleasure outweighs the risk for them.

The naïve paddler presents a separate problem. Many people do not know that
they cannot get back into their boat if they tip over. They do not know that
they will not be functioning after 15 minutes of submersion. They do not
know that some tidal current can tip them over. They have to experience
these situations or be really able to take someone's word for it. Sure the
wetsuit gives those people another margin of safety but that is it. The
minutes of functionality may increase but that may not be enough to cause a
happy outcome.

Group paddling presents another problem. The leaders of groups should feel
comfortable with their responsibility. If they want to require everyone to
wear a wetsuit, FINE. I am unlikely to go on their trip. FINE. If they want
everyone to do a roll or a reentry before the trip starts, FINE. I might go
on that trip.

IMO deciding whether or not to wear this gear is no different than deciding
to make a crossing of such and such a distance or going out in such and such
conditions. A risk is being evaluated against a perceived pleasure.

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