Monday, November 08, 2010

As The World Turns
Well, here in the temperate zone we have gone from
 to
For many, it is the end of the paddling season; and, for them, I am saddened. Cold water paddling allows us to get outdoors and enjoy our short, often dark, days of winter. To be sure, the risks of hypothermia as a result of a dunking and delayed rescue do increase the risks of being out on the big lake. One needs, in my judgment, to weigh those risks against the pleasure involved. After all, isn't it the pleasure of the sport that takes us out there in warm weather?

 I'm not suggesting one has to camp on an ice flow. I am suggesting that there is stuff out there in winter that is worth seeing.
 A one-time modest investment in a dry suit, some fleece underneath and the heat we generate by paddling actually results in a toasty warm feeling while enjoying scenery such as this.

                                                                 And this.
If you are one of the folks who is thinking about putting your kayak into winter storage, I ask you to just do this once. Borrow a dry suit and whatever appropriate clothing you need for winter paddling (don't forget hats and gloves). Next (this is most important), hook up with skilled paddlers used to paddling in winter and doing rescues in all conditions. Finally, pick a relatively calm day when the temperature is at or just above the freezing point...and go paddling. See what you have been missing and reconsider that storage idea.

Paddle safe...
DS

5 comments:

Miamaria said...

Totally agree! Winter is cold, but beautiful.

Duncan and Joan Barwise said...

Although our Island "winter" here is mainly wet and grey, in the coming months we experience a new level of connection with the water, the sandstone shores, and the intertidal life. Additional precautions are necessary but the rewards for the effort touch deep within...and always guarantee an adventure. Always appreciate your postings. Duncan.

Silbs said...

Thanks for the comments. I would guess, Miamaria, that you see plenty of cold days in Norway. As for B.C., I have only been there once, and it was lovely. Unfortunately, I wasn't a paddler at the time.

Unknown said...

You could always go south for the winter and paddle with us . No snow and no ice.I agree it sure looks like a nice adventure.

Silbs said...

Steve, is this your way of torturing me?