Paddling in Winter

Wild Rose · 11-18-2011, 10:55 PM

Does anyone here paddle, a canoe or kayak, during the winter? What have you found to be the best clothing to wear, to stay warm and dry?

LoveTheWater · 11-19-2011, 05:40 AM

We'll go if it isn't like 'freezing' out in the winter. Most of the time we have to layer up because it usually warms up some later in the day and you end up taking some off or get to hot.

ppine · 11-19-2011, 11:53 AM

Wildrose,

If the water is not frozen, it is going to be really cold and you must dress for immersion. That means a wet suit, or better yet a dry suit. There are some good winter trips in Arizona and Big Bend. Be careful and go with another boat for a rescue.

Lorax · 11-20-2011, 08:42 AM

If I find myself doing some cold water kayaking on a river, I'll place a closed cell foam sleeping pad on the bottom.
canoeing or kayaking around with snow to look at is a very different experience and I've enjoyed some very nice days out there (as well as some strange looks).

wvbreamfisherman · 11-20-2011, 11:53 AM

Never done it, but I'd think a wet suit in case of dumping would be priority one. That and a good emergency kit heavy on firestarters and fuel.

Otherwise I'd say layer up with wool or fleece that doesn't absorb water and wrings out easily, along with a drybag of dry clothing.

campclose · 11-20-2011, 02:00 PM

Wow, you guys are surely fearless! I would never go out on the water in the cold weather. I can't say never - I do ice skate but it's frozen. I would be too afraid of falling in the water and freezing before I could get dry clothes on.

Lucy · 11-20-2011, 08:42 PM

To be honest---it has NEVER crossed my mind! I can imagine how beautiful and peaceful an experience it could be though.

jason · 11-21-2011, 07:45 AM

Water is not too bad here, but you will get people who wear dry suits here. I've known some to put extra padding in their open kayaks. Closed kayaks get closed up, and canoes you should already be sitting up and out of the water. In my youth I would take the canoe out in the winter in pants I could roll up and a long sleeve shirt. Not the smartest thing, but it was fun.

ppine · 11-21-2011, 10:13 AM

There is some great winter paddling in Florida. How about the Crystal River or sea kayaking in the Keys?

firedancer · 11-22-2011, 01:10 PM

I have always wanted to - they do a New Year's day paddle in this area - the pictures of a river with snowy banks is always intriguing. For me, it's not the paddling in the snow that keeps me away - it's the loading and unloading of the boat that deters me! Tying down straps with frozen wet hands, jumping on a step-ladder on icy pavement....

A few of my friends paddled last week and their boats had a nice icy sheen by the end of the paddle.