The Kayak Forum is Sponsored By
|
|
|
| |
Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: How do I get out there when it'scold?
Posted By: Robert Woodard In Response To: How do I get out there when it'scold? (Bruce Brockway)
Date: Tuesday, 28 November 2000, at 7:10 p.m.
: On a different subject, cold water kayaking.
snip
: If I could pick everyone's brain again, could you give me some advise on
: what to look for and what has worked for you.Hi Bruce,
First question - How cold will the water get you intend to paddle in? There are many many factors involved in choosing cold water paddling gear and when it will work for your situation. I'm sure others on this BBS may disagree with my numbers, but here is what *I* use as my own personal guide. Again, let me stress - this may or may not work in your situation. Everyone's tolorance for cold water is different.
For me, when the water gets to around 65 degrees, I'll start wearing my Polartec wetsuit. This wetsuit doesn't quite provide the insulating value of neoprene, but is several orders of magnatude more comfortable. I continue to wear this throughout the winter.
Once the water gets to around 50 I'll start wearing my dry suit over my wetsuit. Again, the polartec is so comfortable I don't mind wearing it under the dry suit. Otherwise, it would be layers of fleece. I'll also wear my dry suit in water 50-55 degrees if I intend to be in rough water or on an extended crossing, or planning on being in the water for more than a few minutes.
I'll carry a neoprene hood with me until the water gets down to about 40, and then I'll wear it all the time on the water. From 40 down to ice, it is the dry suit with layers over the wetsuit, gloves, hood and either 1 or 2 pogies depending on the wind. YMMV,
Woody
| |
Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board is maintained by Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks with WebBBS 5.12.
|
Kayaking Technique |
|
|
|
