Re: [Paddlewise] General Question

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Sanders" <sandmarks_at_attbi.com>
Subject: [Paddlewise] General Question


> It is interesting to read about all you east coasters and the lengths you
> have to go to keep warm. I was practicing pathetic newbie rolls, but
mostly
> wet exits last week in Newport Harbor here in CA with just a t-shirt and
> trunks. I would like to ask the list if you could give me an idea of about
> how far you paddle when you can get out there. Is there a minimum or a
> maximum you usually paddle just for a work out. I have been paddling about
> three times a week, but I have no clue as to how far most people paddle.
I'd
> like to have some idea so I'll know if I could keep up with a group should
I
> ever try. Thank   Mark Sanders

Mark,

I too am a Southern CA paddler and a member of a great kayaking club called
California Kayak Friends or CKF (www.ckf.org).

We have paddles for all levels of skills from absolute beginner to the most
advanced paddlers. The club is also offering reduced rates on some classes
from some of the better local outfitters. Check out the web site and see if
any of that interests you.

In answer to your questions about how far most of us paddle, it depends a
lot on where you are paddling. For most of the coastal day trips that I do,
the range is typically 10 - 15 NM with 12 NM being about the average. Some
days, we just go and play around and don't really put on any miles--just
practice our skills.

One thing concerns me though--Our water is still cold this time of year
(about 50 deg). Shorts and a "T" shirt are not adequate protection in our
waters. If you have to do a wet exit and the boat blows away, sinks, or
whatever, your survival time is still measured in minutes. If there is any
chance that any of the paddlers I paddle with feel we will be in the water,
we wear farmer john wetsuits, rash guards, and scuba booties or Chota's.
This plus a PFD and if it is cold enough, a fleece or padding jacket.

COTTON KILLS--stay away from it. It will never dry out. Not too long ago a
new member of the club joined us on a 14 mile round trip in the Santa
Barbara area. He was wearing Goretex paddling pants and a cotton T shirt and
paddling a SOT. While landing at our 1/2 way point, he capsized in the surf.
When it was time to paddle home, he put his wet shirt back on and very
shortly was shivering uncontrollably. Another paddler gave him a dry polypro
shirt to put on and I loaned him a paddling jacket. Without those, we would
have been severely hypothermic.

If you want to talk to me about this or any other paddling questions, my
phone number is listed in the CKF pages on the who to contact page. I am one
of the coordinators for Ventura County.

Steve Holtzman


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