The temperatures are reaching into the mid-60s, maybe even the 70s and your kayak is calling to you. That lake that seemed a little too cold to paddle for much of the winter is quite inviting today. With the onset of spring many folks want to take advantage of the nice weather and enjoy some well-deserved time outdoors, for many this means paddling. Whether you paddle a kayak or canoe, paddle on a lake, a river, or at the coast some simple precautions should be taken when the air temperatures rise but water temperatures are slow to follow. Hypothermia is a real risk; but don’t let the warm air fool you. In this article I will briefly discuss the signs and symptoms of hypothermia but the main focus will be on prevention.
Just because the air is a mild 70 degrees, it can be months before the water reaches a temperature that is safe to immerse ones self in. A couple rules that I follow are the 120-degree rule, which states if the air and water temperatures don’t add up to 120 degrees you need a wetsuit or drysuit. The second is always dress for the water temperature not the air temperature. There are times when these rules conflict, but when in doubt dress for submersion. If the water is 50+ degrees you should probably wear a wetsuit and any colder than 40 degrees, a drysuit. Hypothermia: the lowering of your core body temperature below 98.6 degrees, and can actually occur in any temperature below 98 degrees. Hypothermia is an insidious killer; it can and will sneak up on you when you least expect it. As the body gets colder and your metabolism slows, the victim will go through various stages of the “umbles”: fumbles, grumbles, mumbles, and stumbles. In addition your judgment becomes impaired; you may even deny help, opting to keep moving to try to get warm rather than stopping, taking the time to put on dry clothes and actually getting warm In addition you will fairly quickly lose fine motor skills like the ability to zip up a jacket, followed by gross motor skills such as the ability to walk or paddle. If the victim continues to cool they will eventually lose consciousness and die. Being prepared is your greatest ally when recreating in cold weather.
Wearing the proper clothing and bringing extra clothes, food and water on any trip of any length, may seem like overkill on an hour long paddle; however, if you happen to tip over, for whatever reason, you will be glad you were prepared. Wetsuits, made from varying thicknesses of neoprene are flexible allow for a fairly good range of motion and are relatively inexpensive ranging from $100- $400. Wetsuits, like their name suggests, keeps you warm when wet. This happens by trapping a thin layer of water between you and the neoprene. This warm layer of water acts as an insulator keeping you warm in mild to moderately cold water of approximately 50-70 degrees. Many paddlers use the Farmer John or Jane style wetsuit that cover the torso and legs but is bib style with no arms. This allows for an even greater range of motion and gives you the ability to layer and vent if you get a too warm.

Drysuits, made from a waterproof nylon shell and equipped with a waterproof zippers, latex gaskets at the neck, wrist, and ankle cuffs (or with waterproof booties sewn in) keep the water out and allow you to wear insulating layers underneath. Since you stay dry these layers keep you warm. The first mention of this always made me think of James Bond climbing out of the water after a daring mission, taking off his drysuit all the while wearing a tuxedo underneath. The down side to drysuits is the upkeep of the latex gaskets and their extremely high costs. Drysuits range from $500- $1200+.

Aside from a wetsuit and their dryer, warmer cousins the drysuit, layering in synthetic clothing is the next best thing. When getting wet and capsizing is not a huge risk (like paddling on a calm day on a local pond or lake) layering for paddling you need to keep in mind a few very important rules. 1) Don’t wear cotton; cotton does not retain any insulating properties when wet. It actually pulls heat from your body (evaporative cooling), which will make you even colder. This is why a cotton t-shirt is best for desert hiking, but lousy as layer when paddling. 2) Wear synthetics in layers: polypro or synthetic long underwear is a great wicking base layer, then add fleece as an insulating layer and, top it off with a shell to keep the wind, rain, splash and spray off and hopefully you dry. Synthetics are designed to maintain insulating properties even when wet. Layers trap heat, repel water and allow you to adjust to rising and falling temperatures. These days there are several lines of fleece/ neoprene blends designed specifically for layering when on the water. 3) Cotton Kills! Don’t wear cotton; it’s a worthless layer when wet! 4) Always carry an extra layer or two with you. If you are hot strip a layer if you get cold add a layer, and if your feet are cold put on a hat. Much of you body heat is lost through your head and neck. As you cool off you body draws the heat from your hands and feet to keep your core warm, stopping this heat loss by putting on a hat is one of the best ways to start to warm yourself back up. 5) Also please keep in mind that layering like mentioned above will do very little if you actually end up swimming in water below 50 degrees, especially if the air is as cold or colder. If fully immersed in cold water wearing anything other than a wetsuit or drysuit means you are now on a mission to immediately get dry and get warm.
Carrying snacks and plenty of water is a good idea as well. Staying hydrated and fueled up with carbohydrates and sugars will give you a quick energy boost and help keep your body warm as well. So in addition to putting on a hat when you are chilled, try having a quick snack and drink, you will be amazed at how fast you warm up. Remember to always prepare for the worst and hope for the best. For more in depth layering and safety techniques stay tuned there is more to come…

Stay hydrated and stay happy,

Will

Paddler: 6 year old male- 42″ 45 lbs
Experience level: beginner, semi-swimmer, with several paddling trips and one overnight under his belt. He has been in kayaks since 18 months, first solo paddle at age 5 (a month before 6th birthday), has paddled solo 2X since.

Boat: Wilderness Systems Tsunami SP
Length/ Width: 12′/ 21″
Max Weight Capacity: 180lbs
Other Features: Movable foot pegs, bow and stern bulkheaded hatches, adjustable thigh braces
Pros: Simple but comfortable outfitting, bulkheaded hatches, tracks well, deck lines
Cons: heavy and awkward for a kid to move on their own

At the store I often get asked, “How old does a child need to be to start paddling?” My initial reaction is as soon as they can sit up on their own. However, there are many factors that weigh into this decision. First never take a child strapped into a car seat in a boat. No, there are no seat belts you do not want your child strapped or attached to the boat. You and your child need to be able to get free should the boat capsize. Children under the age of 13 are required by federal law to wear a PFD or lifejacket in any boat. If you are afraid of capsizing with your youngster and don’t know how you or your child would react then you may want to wait until you are more confident in your own skills. This is kayaking and while you may not want, and don’t plan on capsizing. It’s a very real possibility and almost inevitable at some point in time during your paddling career. However, if you love paddling, chances are your enthusiasm will get your kids exited too.
If paddling is part of your lifestyle, than your boats should be introduced to your child at a very early age. My youngest son, has been climbing in and out of boats at home before he could even walk, at approx 18 months, my wife and I took him on his first paddling trip in the floor of a tandem.

He sat in my lap until he was too big and was tired of the repeated bonking he got from my paddle shaft as I maneuvered the marshes of the Outer Banks.
We then moved to a tandem, where he sat up front and drug his arms in the water as I paddled us around, or he sometimes would sit in the tankwell of a 14ft Tarpon.

As his sixth birthday approached, it was time to start some early paddling lessons of his own, like his older brother who also started paddling at age 6 in Maine (but that’s a different story entirely). I was surprised that the Tsunami SP (TSP) fit him so well when he first sat in it. With the foot pegs all the way up he could sit up straight and firmly plant his feet on the pegs with his legs below the thigh braces…4 inches below (he still has quite a bit of growing room). He was a little nervous doing it on his own but he knew how the hold his breath and was not afraid of falling in or getting wet. I stayed close and gave him his first lesson on paddling strokes and techniques.

He seemed to be quite stable and comfortable in the boat, the paddle seemed awkward for him and certainly could have been shorter due to the narrowness of the boat. He picked it up quite quickly despite it being his first time paddling on his own power. The boat tracked well and seemed quick, he had a bit of trouble getting it to turn, but due to his early knowledge of the strokes this did not surprise me. It also confirmed that it tracked fairly well. After about 15 minutes we paddled enthusiastically back to shore. I did not want him to get tired or bored and I wanted to leave a lasting good impression of paddling on his mind. This was the end of the summer and by the next summer he would be ready!

A trip to Bugs Island Lake the following May would be his next lesson in the TSP. With a few months of growing between paddling trips he fit in the boat a little better and was certainly more confident. We paddled twice that trip. Once as an instructional session of about 15 minutes, than after lunch took about a mile long paddle to explorer some coves and see a few birds. I towed him the majority of the time, but he paddled as if he was on his own over the better part of the trip. He had no problem resting and letting me do the work when he was tired, but as soon as he felt rested he was back at it again. It seemed very stable, and he had no problem getting it to go when and where he wanted.

Not to say that all parents should take their small children out paddling on their own, especially if they do not feel comfortable, but this is what I do, I teach paddlesports. I certainly used caution, I am not taking him out in conditions or cold water, I am aways with-in a paddle stroke way and he is aways, always wearing his PFD.
Making sure that kids wear a properly fitted PFD is extremely important, too big is no good and loose and unzipped is no good either (this topic is a different rant altogether).

If you are eager to try paddling with your children, I would certainly encourage you to look into a class that you can take together or inquire about kids lessons at your local paddling shop. Also inquire about kids paddling classes at local lake municipalities. As it currently stands in Greensboro, NC kids under 12 must be in a tandem, ages 13-15 can paddle in a solo boat with an adult paddler with-in a paddles length away, and kids must be 16+ to paddle completely on their own. Kids classes should be relatively short in length and be geared toward safety which will develop into good habits on the water, this will help to keep your children’s interest up while having fun and being safe. Good paddling technique takes time and lots of practice, so don’t rush it. They will get better with practice and as they get stronger their endurance will improve, allowing them to paddle longer. If you get frustrated then so will your kids and they will not want to paddle. It is supposed to be fun, so make it fun, keep it short and bring a tow rope…

and Maybe I’ll see you and your kids on the water,

Will

FYI…

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 28, 2008) – In an effort to bring North Carolina into compliance with federal regulations for recreational boating, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is currently preparing modifications to personal flotation device (PFD) requirements. In state waters, canoes and kayaks do not and will not need a Type IV PFD, approved throwable flotation devices commonly known as ring buoys or buoyant cushions. These modifications will clarify compliance so that: Canoes and kayaks 16 feet in length and over would be exempt from carrying a Type IV PFD. Canoes and kayaks under 16 feet in length already are exempt from carrying a Type IV PFD. Sailboards, racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes and racing kayaks would be exempt from requirements to carry any Type PFD. In North Carolina, a personal flotation device is required for everyone onboard a vessel on the water. Both state and federal regulations require that a Type I, II or III PFD in good condition and of appropriate size be accessible for each person onboard. That includes canoes, kayaks, rowboats and other non-motorized vessels. Children younger than 13 are required to wear a properly-fitted, U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD whenever the vessel is underway. While these regulations are being updated, only previously applicable laws will be enforced by Wildlife Officers. For more information on free boating education courses or safety and requirements, go to www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031. http://www.ncwildlife.org/index.htm

The most important thing to remember about your PFD is…TO WEAR IT!

Cape Lookout National Seashore on North Carolina’s southern coast is a unique spot to paddle. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse, a well known navigational landmark and sought after photographic landmark, is the backdrop to many photos taken in this area. The wild ponies, sea birds, and marine wildlife only add to the majesty of this paddlers paradise. Mile upon mile of open coastline alongside tidal marshes and creeks that line the Core and Back sounds of the lower Outer Banks allow for days of wonderfully picturesque paddling and camping.

However this location is not ideal for the unexperienced and ill-prepared paddler. Strong winds, storms, tides, currents, and waves all of which can change the water conditions quickly and unexpectedly. Any combination of these conditions can turn a seemingly beautiful day on the water into a dire situation in a matter of minutes. Incorporate traffic filled boating channels and a scattered group inexperienced kayakers and you are looking at a recipe for disaster.

Too many of the boats that are paddled in these open waters are ill-equipped to handle any one of the above mentioned conditions. Most recreational kayaks are not suited for waves as their open cockpits eagerly await a large gulp of water that will quickly fill the boat and capsize. In addition to their large cockpits the lack of secondary stability of many rec boats does not give these kayaks the seaworthiness needed for the rough conditions that this windblown locale will often provide. The lack of flotation in these boats is their most serious flaw. The majority of recreational kayaks have at the very most, a rear hatch and bulkhead that only provide marginal flotation. Once the water starts entering the cockpit the entire front of the boat can quickly fill with water. It can be extremely difficult to recover from this situation during good conditions, add in a little wind and some tidal currents and the inexperienced paddler may need to call the Coast Guard.

Navigating the maze of marsh creek channels along with the shifting sand bars and surging inlets of the Outer Banks is a daunting task and should not be taken lightly. Many paddlers get disoriented by paddling in and out of the monotonous grass lined islands and creeks. Out going tides can quickly trap a paddler in an interior pond, or in a tidal flat causing them slog their boat through knee deep muck as they find deeper water. In open water changing tides can make paddlers frustrated and exhausted; and if in the wrong place at the wrong time can take you into the confused seas of an inlet or into the path of an oncoming motor boat.

Despite the need to know proper paddling skills, rescue & recovery techniques, have reliable equipment, and know how to navigate many folks ignore the warnings and get into trouble paddling these waters. By using an experienced, and qualified kayak guide you can greatly minimize your risks and insure an enjoyable adventure.

A qualified guide/ instructor will be able to assess your current skill level and teach you the paddling skills needed to safely make the crossing this trip commonly consists of. Your guide should also discuss with you the risks involved in venturing into this location. This includes environmental risks, physical risks, as well as the psychological risks in paddling with a group. This should be done prior to signing any paperwork. Before you commit to any coastal paddling trip you should know, understand, and appreciate all the risks involved. Individual safety is each paddlers own responsibility, it is the guides jobs to intervene in dangerous situations and make the decisions that their experience and judgment dictate are prudent. The guide facilitates an enjoyable experience for their clients, teaching skills when needed, sharing experiences, telling stories, jokes, keeping the group motivated, and often doing the cooking and cleaning as well. Myself like many guides will be first one up in the morning and the last one down at night. An experienced guide will plan routes and activities suitable to the groups experience and not let the group spread out too far, which can be detrimental when the conditions get less than ideal.

A quality guide service will also provide proper boats, paddles, and life jackets suitable for the experience of the group, the location of the trip, and the conditions the group will be paddling in. Touring boats (sea kayaks) as well as properly fitted and comfortable life jackets are essential to an enjoyable experience.
These boats provide the storage capacity needed to carry not only the paddlers personal gear but their share of group gear as well. More importantly they have inherent flotation with front and rear bulkheads and hatches. Touring kayaks generally have greater secondary stability allowing these boats to be paddled in rougher water with better reliability than many recreational kayaks. These boats are designed to have a tighter fit than their rec cousins, which actually gives you better boat control. Their longer length allows the boat to travel quickly in a relatively straight path with ease.

Many guides that regularly lead trips in these water know the ins and outs of the islands, marsh creeks, and sandbars that dot this coastal region. By using proper navigational skills which include using nautical charts, tidal charts, with a blend of local knowledge a good guide can get a group through the maze of grasses with relative ease. Also having and using a reliable weather radio, to keep tabs on the ever evolving weather patterns, wind speeds, marine forecasts and warnings. having this knowledge is also important in planning the day’s journey.

Local lakes and ponds as well as many slow moving rivers are great places to strengthen your paddling skills in preparation to head out to a coastal environment. If you lack the proper knowledge I would certainly recommend taking a class from a qualified instructor before venturing into waters of Cape Lookout. While using a guide service will minimize many of the risks it will also allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery and the experience. With all the logistical preparations and planning taken care of, having your meals prepared, your route planned, you have little to worry about. There are many great guides along the coast and interior portions of North Carolina that guide trips along the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Keep an eye on our calendar as we will be headed back to the Cape before too long, and we would love to show you around this magical area.

Swift Water Rescue classes teach recognition and avoidance of commmon river hazards, self-rescue techniques, and techniques for rescuing other distressed paddlers.

Lessons focus on safety while covering topics such as: proper use of a rescue vest, knots and rope techniques, hand and whistle signals, strainer drills, foot entrapments, boat based rescue, live bait rescue, v-lowers, scene management, and more. Students practice these skills through simulated live rescue scenarios.

Our first Swift Water Rescue class was held September 13-14. It was beautiful weather at the Nolichucky River, TN; comfortable cool water, sunny, and temps in the upper 80’s.

We couldn’t have asked for more from this exceptional experience. The class was taught by Edgar Peck and Jah Will Hanah, giving us the benefit of two great instructors.

We also had a great class size of 8 people giving each of us plenty of opportunity to practice our newly learned skills.

I learned so much, and had so much fun taking this class. It’s hard to single out highlights, however, I did enjoy the strainer drills, live bait, and final rescue scenarios quite a bit and look forward to opportunities to practice these techniques (in a non-emergency situation of course).

The biggest personal change that I think will result from this class will be in my mindset. The things I see, the way I see them, and the action I would take will all be drastically different as a result. This was also great training on working as a group; a necessity when working with ropes and dealing with multiple victims.

A big, big thanks to Edgar and Jah Will. And for everyone else, It’s been said many times before this, this class should be an essential part of your skills as a responsible paddler.

Be Safe out there.
-Eric Stuart

An explosion in the number of kayakers along the nation’s waterways, on lakes and at sea is making harrowing stories such as Andrusic’s all-too common. At the same time, it’s putting a strain on Coast Guard and other marine search-and-rescue crews and prompting calls for new laws requiring kayakers to take boating safety courses.

Find this article at: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-04-29-kayak_N.htm

As a kayak instructor, I do beleive that everyone should take a basic kayak safety class but I do not think it should be manditory. We offer a free half-day basic safety class with the purchase of a new kayak and while many customers do take us up on the offer, many do not. Not to say that some shouldn’t take the the class, but I am sure there are a variety of reasons why they don’t. Anything from being to stubborn or “macho” to participate in an entry-level class to wanting to learn on their own. Maybe they want to learn with the assistance of instructional books or videos, or have their friends teach them. There is certainly something to be said about paddlers who are planning to get out into open water (sea kayaking), or whitewater (ww) without the proper skill set and knowledge. Their lack of good judgment will be their demise. Which is ashame since it can be avoided altogether by taking a class, gaining experience on guided trips (with qualified guides), and simply knowing your limits. For these opposite ends of the kayaking spectrum (sea kayaking and ww kayaking) there should be more emphasis on paddlesport education and safety awareness. Although the majority of kayakers are not venturing into the ocean or onto whitewater rivers, this is what the perception of the sport is to the masses who don’t paddle. These are the exciting aspects of the sport that all the paddling videos glorify. The part of the sport that will lead to manditory classes when the few new paddlers that attempt it without the needed skills or judgment to paddle in these locales (ocean/ whitewater) continue to experience catastophic consequences. Nothing beats having a trained instructor give you the finer points of kayak safety in a sport where breathing water may mean that you won’t make it to the take-out. However making a class manditory will only cause some folks to rebel and go paddling anyway without taking the class. While others may simply not participate at all and miss out on a great activity that can be easily enjoyed by folks of all ages. There certainly needs to be a stronger surge towards the awareness of needing a class. Hats off to the Coast Guard, and the American Canoe Association (ACA) for the progress they have made it this regard, but more continued emphasis should placed on being safe on the water, knowing ones limits and taking the proper precausions when going paddling; if not, then some states may pass laws requiring paddle safety classes. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but on the other hand it will give me some job security.