Good Message, Jack.

I'm still searching for a good beanie--the rest of me stays not only functional, but almost comfortable when I'm immersed this time of year. Except my head. I'm still getting those bad ice cream headaches during roll practice wearing just the drytop hood.

> The weather has been unusually warm, but the water is still in the low 40s
> in this part of the Chesapeake region --- too cold to be out without
> serious cold water gear --- which would also allow you to practice rolls
> and other self rescue techniques in controlled situations --- using
> in-water spotters, assist boats --- without personal danger. (And by
> "serious" cold water gear, I'm really talking a drysuit with
> insulation, hood, gloves, etc. for dangerously cold water, as it still is.
> And all this in 70 degree air! Right. But that's what allows survival.)

> I know these builder boards attract experienced paddlers who have become
> boat builders, but I was very surprised to hear how many first time boat
> builders there were in the CLC market. (I'd assume the same stats hold
> with other kit and plan suppliers.)

I think there are a lot of folks building boats without realizing the potential dangers of cold water. People who build a kayak without prior paddling experience, or cold water experience. People who never wanted to get out on the water when it was this cold before, and now have the perfect vehicle to go exploring in. I'm not putting anybody down--I was one of those people. I was lucky. I never had a capsize or wet exit in freezing water when I used to just wear neoprene shorts and a paddling jacket. I realize that had things gone badly, I probably wouldn't be writing this message right now. If you're not wearing enough to not be afraid to wade into shoulder-deep water, don't go out until the water (not the air) warms up, or you get more clothing.

> It's very important especially for
> newer paddlers to understand the marginal paddling conditions of
> "extended season" paddling --- and this spring in the
> Mid-Atlantic is as bad as it gets with early, very warm weather.

And the Northwest, and the Midwest, and New England.....

>please paddle
> prepared! There's a very sensible axiom that a lot of experienced paddlers
> and clubs use --- if you're not physically prepared to swim in the water
> you're paddling, and if you're not equipped to stay functional (not
> necessarily comfortable) and survive a ten or fifteen minute swim in the
> water you're paddling, you shouldn't be on the water.

> Off the soap-box. Sorry, Pete --- it wasn't aimed at you. Was trying to
> talk to those two guys in Anne Arundel County, but they can't hear me any
> more.

> Jack Martin