[Paddlewise] Immersion Gear Revisited

Paddlewisers,
   
  Recently, there was a discussion about immersion gear here on Paddlewise. Then I just received the SK mag email newsletter, which also had info about immersion gear. Once again, people who wear immersion gear are made out to be safe kayakers.
   
  I think too much emphasis is put on immersion gear at the expense of skills and judgment. Everytime a kayaker dies of hypothermia, it seems the blame is put on not wearing any or enough immersion gear. I disagree. I blame the hypothermia deaths on not having the skills and judgment to stay out of the water. Sure, there is a time and place for immersion gear, but I think a lot of people are using it to make up for having less than enough skills and judgment. It's sort of like feeling safe when driving recklessly because your car has an air bag and your seat belt is on. 
   
  All immersion gear is doing is buying a little more time in the water. If you are in the water and can't get back in your kayak in a few minutes, you're not getting back in. If you're not close enough to swim to shore or don't have a rescue on the way, and the water is cold enough, you are going to die, even with immersion gear. Having the skills and judgment to stay out of the water beats the best immersion gear.
   
  Don't get me wrong. There are times when I wear immersion gear, mainly when surfing or practicing rolls and rescues. Occasionally when the conditions are rough and I'm touring, I'll wear only enough to be comfortable in case of a brief swim. But most of the time I'm dressed for the air temperature, wind and some splashing. However, I also know that at my skill and judgment level, the chances of me spending more than a few minutes in the water are very small. For the same reason, I don't wear a helmet in my car in case of a traffic accident.
   
  And by the way, a dry suit with only a thin layer of long underwear for insulation is barely immersion gear.
   
  Duane Strosaker
  Southern California
  www.rollordrown.com
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