Mid-Atlantic Paddlers Association

Winter comes around every year, but its no excuse to stop paddling! The most important thing in cold weather paddling is obviously to be safe, but its equally important to be comfortable, because you actually can enjoy cold weather paddling. After years of going out in pretty much all conditions, I think I can sum up my experience in 10 general rules: 1. Dress for the water temperature first. There is nothing like neoprene (or fuzzy rubber) as a safety layer. I try to wear thin neoprene pants or shorts to keep the core warm, because even paddling near shore in flat water it is possible to go over. Wearing some neoprene on your core gives you a safety margin. Remember that neoprene does not insulate very well unless you are in the water. 2. Cotton kills. Cotton fabric of any kind retains water, and in combination with cold air/and or wind (even a cool breeze) will continue to chill you long after your immersion event. Polyester or nylon fleece, capilene, coolmax, thermax, or any polyester or polypropylene fabrics are what you need. They are available at the paddling stores, outdoor stores, Bass pro shops, walmart, or online at places like REI, Northwest River Supply, Rapidstyle, Campmor, etc. Get a windproof or waterproof layer (nylon paddling jacket) to go over your synthetic fleece (see layering, below). COTTON KILLS! 3. Wear your lifejacket. It is MAPA policy to wear them in practices from November 1 to April 1. It will help you swim in cold water if you have to, and it helps keep you warm. 4. Layer. I like to wear a waterproof, windproof layer (XXL paddling jacket) over my lifejacket. Then I can take it off if I start to overheat. Consider clipping a small dry bag in your boat with dry clothes and extra layers. Put in an energy bar. 5. Plan shorter trips. If you are going point to point, remember that you will just get uncomfortable sooner in the cold. 6. I don’t have any specific advice on hats and gloves, except to experiment with different materials and combinations to find what works. In surf or whitewater in a kayak I like pogies, which fit over the paddle shaft. In the marathon canoe I like fleece gloves with gripper material on the palm. Neoprene gloves do not work for me, but some like them. Hats are great, because so much heat is lost through the noggin, and you can always take it off if you are overheating. For surf, there are neoprene or fuzzy rubber hoods and hats. Neoprene socks are available at Campmor, and neoprene booties are available lots of places. Good luck keeping your feet warm. Great argument for kayaking. 7. Eat and drink. Dehydration makes you colder. 8. Watch your fellow paddlers. Know the warning signs of hypothermia, and know what to do. Shivering is one of the first signs of mild hypothermia. 9. Consider getting a waterproof bag for your cell phone, and carrying it with you. 10. As always, let someone know where you are going, and when you are supposed to be back. Tim Jones