The ice is clear of the river for enough to go out for some early season paddling, but we have to ask ourselves, “Should we?”

The considerations are keeping warm and staying safe.

Keeping Warm:

• A closed shell kayak is warmer than an open shell (ie Pelican or sit-on-top).    Legs are out of the wind and cold.  A full spray skirt can be used to keep the lower half warm and dry.
• A full paddling jacket or dry suit is needed for cold winds.
• There are several types of gloves, and some are designed for colder weather.    Pogies (an overglove) can be used if it is windy, but do we want to paddle in cold temperatures and winds?
• Getting in and out of the water may mean wet feet.   Full neoprene boots are recommended.

Staying Safe:

I have seen paddlers out in open cockpit kayaks with no evidence of safety equipment.    I always want to ask them – “What’s your plan if you flip?”

• Immersing in cold water may result in shock, which affects your breathing and your ability to think
• In cold water I always use a full dry suit.
• Without a dry suit, your chance of survival is lessened.
• The safest plan is to stick very close to shore and if you flip, get out and immediately swim to shore, with or without the boat.
• I always have a paddle float on top of the boat.    I know how to use it and have practiced many times.    I can be back in the boat in a minute.   It will be too cold to bail water (it takes time) so I would paddle to shore and tip the water out onshore.
• Inflatable paddle floats are of little use in cold water.    Accessing them and inflating them takes time and hypothermia comes quickly.
• Getting back into a flipped kayak is hard and it is even harder in cold water.   Survival is an issue in cold water.
• Wearing a spray skirt means getting it off underwater.   Always have the pull tab in the right position and practice self-rescues.
• I always wear a PFD, even in warm water.    I feel it is my responsibility to set a good example.
• Even if you can get back into your boat, you will have to deal with hypothermia.   Are you prepared?

Even if you have a dry suit, a PFD, neoprene boots, a paddle float and you know how to do self-rescue, you are still at risk for surviving a cold-water immersion.    It might be best to wait for warmer conditions.