Cold Water Paddling

Hypothermia is a condition in which core temperature drops below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body functions which is defined as 35.0 °C (95.0 °F). Body Temperature is usually maintained near a constant level of 36.5–37.5 °C (98–100 °F) through biologic homeostasis or thermoregulation. If exposed to cold and the internal mechanisms are unable to replenish the heat that is being lost, a drop in core temperature occurs. As body temperature decreases, characteristic symptoms occur such as shivering and MENTAL CONFUSION (remember these last two words).

I wanted to open with a clear definition of Hypothermia.  While balancing, warmth, comfort and dexterity.  Hypothermia is the number one enemy.  Number one defined as something that will kill us.

A few points,

Paddlers who are immersed in cold water lose body heat 4-5 times faster than when in air of the same temperature.  Rapid heat loss can lead to hypothermia, cold shock, and death. The American Canoe association recommends that a paddler always wear protective clothing when:

·      Both the water temperature and the air temperature are below 60 F 

·      When you will be more than a ¼ mile from shore and the water temperature is below 60 F.

·      You expect to be exposed to cool 65-70 F or less water in cool or mild weather. 

·      The colder the water the more dangerous immersion becomes.

While I don’t think anyone ever launches their boat on a cool or cold day and thinks, I will probably swim or fall out of my boat today so I should dress accordingly, that is exactly how you should think every time you get in a kayak or canoe. 

So just how do you protect yourself?  What is the best protective clothing? I thought I would give a little advice and a few personal viewpoints on the subject.

I received my paddling education from different areas, which can be a blessing and a curse.  Some of the things that I see kayak fishermen accepting without question, is counter to my experience in other paddling disciplines, and vice versa.   One of these is the use of waders.  Until recently I never really thought of waders as a necessary part of my paddling gear bag.  I have enjoyed reading different viewpoints and experiences regarding the use of waders while paddling and fishing.  While I have spent plenty of time in waders, almost none of it has been spent kayaking in waders.  At a recent tournament I couldn’t locate my other cold weather gear so I wore a pair of neoprene waders and the jury is still out on whether I will use waders while paddling.

When it comes to water and cold and the potential to become hypothermic I tend to lean toward the cautious side.  I know from paddling in whitewater in January that paddling clothing designed for these situations works, and that some of the put together outfits that feel fine at home or when you first put them on fail when you really need them.

Layering

1.    Base Layer: Wicking synthetic fabrics like polypro, thin is best and it should draw moisture from your skin.

2.    Second Layer:  Insulating layer, this is where the fleece, wool or other non-cotton insulating materials come in.

3.    Outer Layer:  Protects from the elements, this layer keeps the other layers working.  This is where the paddling jacket or dry suit, or waders come in.  Remember a wetsuit is not outerwear, it is a base layer, wearing anything under a wetsuit compromises its ability to keep you warm.  (One year, at the New Year’s Chilli Run on the Cartecay River, the water was unusually high and the temperature was cold. I had a couple of friends along who did not have a lot of kayaking experience. One of them was a scuba diver and wore the wetsuit and not much else over it.  He spent most of the day swimming and immersed in the higher than normal rapids generated by the high water.  By the time we got to the end of the run, he was mildly hypothermic and we spent most of the remainder of the day trying to get him warm.  Since then, I am cautious trusting any kind of wetsuit to keep me warm.  I now know, he did not layer over the wetsuit and it had almost no insulating properties, especially when he was not in the water.) There are many different things on the market right now that insulate similar to a wetsuit but also offer core insulation when you are not wet, as well as helping to wick away sweat.  I have a Hydro skin top that I like to use keep my core warm without bulk. 

Outer Layer

·      Dry suits:  A dry suit is a waterproof garment with latex gaskets at all openings; no water circulates across your skin or other layers decreasing the heat loss to the water.  Just be careful not to over insulate under a dry suit and overheat.  A dry suit is expensive, but if you are planning on spending a lot of time in your boat in cold water it is a solid investment and a proven way to stay safe and warm.  Keep an eye on craigslist or the whitewater paddling forums, you might find a used one for a great price.

·      Paddling Jackets and Paddling Pants: This is what I have always worn.  I like the paddling jacket/paddling pants combination, because of the flexibility.  There are times when I want to keep my core warm, but it is not necessary to wear a full suit.  This is when I wear a splash or dry top over layers and I may wear shorts with neoprene pants over them.  Sometimes, just shorts and a paddling jacket to keep the core warm. You can mix and match according to conditions, and if it’s really cold you can suit up and pretty much seal it off like a dry suit.  Though, it is worth noting, you will not be as immersion-proof as you would be with a dry suit.  I have used this system in the cold waters of the Nanatahahla River with success.

·      Hands:  Neoprene Gloves or Pogies.  Pogies attach to your paddle and give you splash protection.  When its cold and I am going to be doing a lot of paddling as well as fishing I like to use a combination of both.

·      Head: I use a synthetic Mountain Hardwear Skull Cap, just something to pull over my ears.  And usually have a more insulating hat in my go bag in case of a swim.

·      Feet: Neoprene booties/boots/shoes: I don’t care how hard I try, I always get my feet wet.  If your waders or paddling pants have built in booties you can probably wear wading shoes also.  I found that wader boots made me feel like I was wearing hiking boots and were not very comfortable. 

That is just a little summary of what is out there.  There are tons of systems, the wader or no wader debate, and countless items for you to try. I have listed the tried and true, no questions asked types of protective gear that have protected expedition whitewater and sea kayakers and kept them alive and warm for quite some time.  When it comes to water and cold weather I want the most proven type of system that I can afford. 

One of the things that make hypothermia so dangerous is that it causes mental confusion.  Not the type that makes you forget your birthday or what day it is, but the kind of confusion that makes you swim in the opposite direction of your boat, paddle away from shore when you should be paddling towards it, it can even make you remove your clothes thinking that it will make you warmer instead of colder.  I have seen these signs of hypothermia.  Sometimes the preparation you make beforehand is the only thing stopping you from becoming a victim.  Once the mental confusion sets in, there is really nothing you can do about it, especially if you are out on the lake by yourself.  So guys prepare, dress accordingly, take a go  bag…and catch the big one!!!!

No one ever plans to swim, even on the warmest day, we all take great pains to make sure valuable equipment is secure in case of a swim, I think that making sure I am secure in case of a swim is just as important.

And have fun!!!!!