Chill Out - Tips For Winter Paddling

Winter has descended on us here in the Tennessee Valley and I've finally arrived at my favorite time of the year to paddle.  The water is still from diminished power boat traffic and I can paddle for hours without getting out of my boat feeling like I've just endured several hours in an Apache Sweat Lodge.

Granted, it's also the time of year that many of my dual-bladed brothers and sisters have long since hung their gear waiting on more 'ideal' climes.  Big mistake.  In an earlier post I discussed that paddling is a personal journey for each of us and we should all paddle for our own reasons.  To those that just can't endure the cold and have made a conscious decision to stay off the water, stay warm, and avoid the chance of disaster, then you have my blessings on your decision.  For those that wish to extend their season(s) and see what they might be missing at this time of year, then I'd like to offer some insights from years of paddling in frigid weather.

First and foremost, and this will serve as your disclaimer for the day, don't go out there if you just don't 'do' cold, if you don't have the equipment to be out there, or you don't have the self-rescue skills to keep you safe.  This is NOT the time to play games with your personal well-being!  Paddling in cold weather has inherent dangers and should never be taken mildly.

I'm fortunate in that I'm inherently warm most of the time; a blessing at this time of year - a curse when the mercury climbs.  Even if you fall into this category, it's a moot point if you can't survive a surprise submersion.  One thing is a given at this time of year ... the water is insanely cold.  Even on the mildest winter days here in Chattanooga when the air temps climb into the 50's, the water can still be a numbing temperature.  How do you cope?  Whether the air is warm or cool, you need to be prepared.

I'd first suggest that you be VERY confident in your abilities.  If the temp drops, the wind picks up, or a large boat wake should break over the bow of your kayak, are you prepared and comfortable with these situations?  If wind-waves make you nervous in July, then forget altogether about going out there in February.  Self assesment is absolutely crucial here and you should be dead-level honest with yourself before venturing out.  I don't worry about myself, because mentally and physically I'm prepared.  I have a solid roll, solid boat handling skills, self-rescue techniques that I can rely on, I'm in great shape, the very best gear money can buy, and absolute confidence in all of the above.

It pisses me off that so many sea kayakers won't take the time to learn to roll.  Opportunities exist around every corner to attend free roll classes, yet most chalk it up to being a whitewater-only skill.  Warm or cold, a roll can save the day ... and your life.  Ditto too, for learning rescue techniques.  Can you assist a fellow paddler or yourself if you should exit your boat?  If the above doesn't apply, again, please stay home.

Gear plays a crucial role and should never be taken lightly.  I'm amazed at what I see paddlers wear.  Sweatshirts, jeans, and windbreakers have no place on the water.  Ever.  Do you see these items hanging in your local paddling shop?  No you don't ... for a reason.  Dress in synthetic layers of poly, fleece, nylon, etc; then add or subtract as necessary.  My personal wardrobe for paddling is extensive to cover any conditions that I might encounter, but the basics center around the time-tested ThinSkins, ThickSkins, and Zephyr jackets and bottoms from Immersion Research.  Cover your hands with gloves or pogies (pogies are my personal choice - but we'll save that for a future blog entry), a warm skull covering of wool, fleece, or neoprene for your head, and warm, solid footwear for your feet, and you've got the basics.  I could go on for pages and pages - and someday I may - about clothing that is specific for paddling, but this is your high level overview for today's message.  Lastly, never leave shore without your first-aid kit and some warm clothes sealed in a drybag just in case.  It's pretty simple actually; you grab a synthetic tee, a fleece jacket, fleece pants, warm hat and gloves, and toss all of that into a drybag that NEVER leaves your boat during the cold months.  While you're at it, go ahead and toss in a tarp and lighter as well.  That should just about cover it.  Your personal selections will solely be based on what your body can take in terms of cold, but only you can answer that.

Sprayskirts are gear and could be lumped in above, but I'm giving them a special nod based on what I've witnessed with my own eyes at this time of year.  I don't paddle without one no matter the season, but in winter, they're crucial.  They seal your boat against cold spray, trap warmth inside your boat, and give you a snowball's chance in Bermuda when an eskimo roll is needed.  I'll also add too, that winter isn't the time for that flimsy nylon deck you use sometimes in the summer to keep your thighs from getting sunburned.  No, winter requires a full neoprene deck for maximum waterproofness in your kayak and the reliable seal needed for a roll.  Don't skimp here, got it?

The last thought I'll offer up is a relatively novel concept, but if you'll try it, I'll guarantee results.  If you get chilly, paddle harder!  Winter paddles aren't the time to float.  Stretch your paddling muscles, breathe deep, and put it in gear.  A vigorous winter paddle is surprisingly toasty!

Let's review quickly to make sure y'all are paying attention, shall we?  Know what you're doing, be prepared for emergencies, learn rescue techniques for yourself and others, and don't dress like a hobo.  Cool?  Let's paddle.

If you spent your hard-earned money on a sleek sea kayak and all of the goodies, don't pass opportunities to enjoy this pursuit year 'round.  Take the necessary precautions, but don't let cold weather keep your boat hanging like a museum display for 4 or 5 months out of the year because if you do, you're missing out.  Paddling in the winter holds special opportunities for those that get out there and you'll experience things you can't get when it's warm.  I'll share an example: years ago I did a sunrise paddle on Chickamauga right when a snowstorm hit.  The morning was so still that I could actually hear the snowflakes hitting the water!  This was going on while y'all were still in bed or just enjoying your first cup of java for the day.  See what you missed?  Sure it was cold when I launched, but once underway, I was as warm - or warmer - than I am sitting right here in my den with my feet propped up and this warm netbook across my legs.  Be honest with yourself and your abilities, choose your gear carefully, grab a like-minded (and like-abilitied) buddy, and go chill!

-rob