Cold Water Kayaking - Dress for Success!

More and more of today's newer paddling crowd is finding out what the old timers already knew-- that some of the best paddling in many areas is found in the colder months of Fall through Spring. Equipment can play a huge part in whether you have a safe and successful paddle, or just the makings of a new epic tale to tell. (<:

There are many different configurations for dressing to paddle in the cold, but here are a few tips that are relevant for a wide range of paddlers, whether they are on rivers, lakes or ocean.

• Layering!

1.    Whatever you wear, proper layering is usually the key. Wetsuits are a little different, so I'll discuss those another time.  A primary rule is to remember to dress to get wet, even if you don't expect to be out of your kayak. There are always forces out there that can change the outcome of your day, so preparation is the key as usual.
   1. A wicking layer next to your skin (such as Capilene) is designed to help pull moisture away from your skin, reducing it's ability to draw warmth from you as well. This layer can be light or heavier, depending on conditions.
   2. An insulating layer is next, designed to help hold your body heat in and keep the cold of the outside air or water further away from your skin. It should also be very breathable and allow for the continued transfer of moisture away from you towards the outer layer of clothing. A "bunny suit" is the preferred choice for under a drysuit.
   3. A Waterproof, "breathable" outer layer such as a drytop/dry pants or drysuit is a huge key in making any layering system work. Gore-tex is still the best, but there are many other waterproof breathable fabrics out there now that function very well. This layer must have some form of gasketing (latex, neoprene etc.) to really complete the function of keeping you warm and at least somewhat dry while you paddle, and especially if you swim out of your kayak or do a roll.

   Air movement over your body is what really cools you down quickly. Moisture against your skin can draw heat away from you very quickly though, even without wind or air movement.

• Drysuit or drytop-- Drysuits are the ever more popular piece of cold weather paddling equipment for most folks these days. (I'm still partial to the cotton t-shirt under my breathable nylon Santa Suit I had on the river a couple of weeks ago, but I've been told I'm not normal that way, so don't do as I do (<: )  Drysuits have evolved to be nearly all waterproof breathable. As I mentioned earlier, Gore-tex is still the best option, and is typically built into a very high quality garment by leading manufacturers such as Kokatat. You can't beat the higher quality brands for durability over time and effectiveness in nearly any situation. When you are looking at getting a new outer garment, check out the warranty from that manufacturer, and realize that here you typically do get what you pay for. With a little bit of proper care these garments will last a very long time, especially if the company stands behind their gear and they or in some cases your local kayak shop can provide expert gasket replacement and/or leak repair. 
• • It's your own body heat that serves as the "driving force" to push the moist air out through the layers and ultimately out through the Gore-tex or other breathable outer layer. However, wearing non-wicking garments such as cotton can slow or impede the effectiveness of the process and cause you to get "wet" inside your suit from the accumulation of your own body moisture or sweat.
  • Drysuits and drytops are a big investment, but the comfort and safety they provide (when used properly) along with many years of service (with a little care and maintenance) are well worth the initial cost. Folks often wait till they have a really good "reason" like a big Grand Canyon trip or the like to motivate them to their first purchase. Most paddlers wish they had made the move a long time before and are more willing to get out for cold weather paddling once they make the leap.
  • Remember to "burp" your drysuit before you close the zipper, otherwise excess air in the suit can go to your feet/legs when you wet exit, making it difficult to get your head and upper body to the surface quickly. It can also be forced up around your neck and arms when you are in the water, making the neck gasket very uncomfortable and arms harder to swim with.

• Some other quick tips for cold weather
• • A skull cap or swim cap helps keep a lot of heat in and helps you avoid the "ice cream headache" affects of a roll or a swim in cold water. In a pinch, a small plastic grocery bag under your helmet or hat can be a great substitute
  • Neoprene gloves (articulated to help avoid fatigue) or pogies can do a lot to keep wind and water off of your hands and keep your fingers functioning. Another light weight choice is neoprene   Sun Mitts . These are great for keeping the sun off of the back of your hands in all seasons (especially summer) but also provide a good amount of warmth and protection from cold wind and air while allowing you to grip your paddle directly "skin to paddle" 
                  A cheap alternative is a pair of latex kitchen gloves. Not as durable or well fitting, but they can definitely do the trick for a while!
  • Neoprene or Gore-tex socks are awesome for keeping your toes toasty. Those plastic grocery bags in your kit will work here as well if you find yourself or a paddling buddy unprepared at the put in or  getting cold feet along the way.

Remember, it's a lot harder to get warm again after you get wet or cold than it is to plan ahead for a cozy paddle.