Re: [Paddlewise] Freezing Hands

From: <Seakayakerjb_at_aol.com>
Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2004 06:32:02 EST
Richard, et al,
 
I paddle Lake Michigan year round and have found the hydroskin gloves (mine  
are from NRS, but other companies make a similar glove), used with the poggies 
 to be the combination that keeps my hands toasty.  I've used this  
combination when the air temps have been down around 0 degrees F, and at times  with 
wind chills well below that.
 
One thing that we've found, yes there's several of us who paddle in these  
conditions, is that the gaskets at the wrists on the dry suits are too tight and 
 tend to restrict the blood flow to the hands and fingers.  They need to  
remain tight enough to prevent water from entering, but not so tight to cut off  
your circulation.  The same is true for the feet--tight gaskets at the  ankles.
 
Two other things could be happening too.  1.  Not relaxing you  paddle grip 
and 2.  Too much clothing causing for too tight  conditions.  Be sure you can 
wiggle your toes and your fingers.  Both  of these tend to reduce the 
circulation.
 
Some people, no matter what they do, have a condition called Reynaulds  
syndrome/disease that prevents their hands and feet from becoming warm.  I  am not 
a doctor so I'll stop there, but you may want to do some research and  talk to 
your doctor as I believe there may be some treatment available.
 
Good Luck!
 
John Browning
_www.wildernessconnection.com_ (http://www.wildernessconnection.com) 
Received on Tue Dec 28 2004 - 03:32:22 PST

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