That is because I don’t push the …
envelope like you do.
If I was paddling a ski, I would stay by the fireplace until the water temp was swimming temperature.
The question was “how much cold do you feel through the bottom of the kayak?”
If it was a question on immersion, I would not have responded.
Would that have made you feel better?
Cheers,
JackL
just tweakin’ you, Jack
– Last Updated: Oct-17-06 9:04 AM EST –
i've been known to paddle very cold water in the summer with nothing but shorts on, which clearly violates the "immersion law" as well. it's all a question of your personal comfort with varying degrees of risk, and a realistic knowledge of your abilities (i'm reminded of the story about derek hutchinson, who when asked what his favorite roll was, replied that question was like asking a 747 pilot what his favorite parachute was- meaning of course, that his skillset was such that he never had to roll!)
i do think that you are able to push your own envelope a bit more when you have no fear of the consequences of going in the water.
be well,
af
depends
Thanks in that case you are
back on the upper part of my list of fast paddlers whom I have admired.
Man, I am forever revising that list !
cheers,
JackL
I am here
I think we would stay close to home, the Huron River through Livingston and Washtenaw counties. We would kayak during the winter months (which in Michigan is when the orange construction barrels go into hibernation).
chem packs!
Well, those $1.00 chemical packs have been lifesavers for my toes and hands for winter paddling and other sports. Along the lines of automobile seat heaters, they ought to manufacture the packs in an extra large version as a bun warmer. Put it on the seat and paddle away.
Depends partly on the boat material
My first kayak was a rec kayak, an OT Castine. I swear that foam-and-plastic sandwich was less cold than regular plastic.
My S&G kayak (wood core) seems to insulate well, too.
Regular roto plastic a bit less so.
I’ve been told that glass boats conduct heat away fastest but I have not paddled a glass boat in winter conditions so I cannot vouch for that.
If you feel cold, you need to modify your clothing. A drysuit is easiest to adjust insulation, and it is the most comfortable. Keeping feet, head, and hands warm will also boost overall heat retention.
Paddled today - Oct 17, 2006
Beautiful Day! Overcast, snow spitting. North wind 14-22 mph. 27 degrees F. Partner and I spend 45 minutes; about 4 miles on our local puddle here in NW Wyoming; at 5000’ in the shadow of the Rockies. Both boats are Dagger Cortez 16.5 footers. There was ice in the bottom of mine when launching. But it melted by the time of take-out. Water temp is 46F today.
Only my cheeks (the ones on my face!)were a little cool. I wore: 1 mm neoprene top and bottom (NRS Hydroskins), splash jacket, “dry” pants, neoprene boots (Warmers from REI), thin neop. gloves inside poggies, topped with a thick wool/poly cap with ear flaps. My boat’s seat is original stock hard plastic, no pad.
Ice was forming on our paddle shafts; but there was sufficient heat in the water not to be forming on the deck… Concern is: top heavy… invert… Question: can one roll up if the kayak flipped because of ice on the deck? I would guess, “Not very well!”
Got a little cool taking out and loading up. But then hot coffee was waiting 5 minutes away at home. Sorry you couldn’t join us!
George in Cody
Around Ann Arbor?
Cold Bottoms
I was also concerned about cold from the bottom of the boat seeping up to my bottom. Very untechnical, but I folded up a fleece blanket and put it between my bottom and the boat’s bottom. Comfy, and warm! Winter paddling is nice - so quiet - enjoy!
More Insulation
from a quarter inch of minicell pad. Or go, to walmart and buy one of thos blue ensolite pads for ten bucks. Cut it too size to fit your butt. Slow the large piece in your hatch. Makes a good warm, comfy seat on a shore break.
sing
Northeast of Ann Arbor
Not sure if we would make it to Ann Arbor. We usually put in at Island Lake State Park. We might try Huron Meadows Metro Park to start.
Forgot to mention
We are newbies to kayaking.
island lake is great
You can travel upstream all the way to Milford. The northernmost lake/pond in kensington is a gem. Colors should be great about now.
Remember that they lower the level about 1’ in fall.
depends work great
The kayak bottom is not a concern
You can wear street clothes and not be bothered with the temp of the kayak floor.
However, dress for the water. Minimum farmer john - 1/4". Best is a drysuit. If you fall in water cold enough to freeze the surface, you may not be able to breathe. You can go into cold shock which causes involuntary gasp reflex. Imagine that underwater?
People who are cavaliar about cold water paddling are fools. In Branford CT, where I live, we had a cold water death a few years back. Pfd on the back deck and street clothes.
Also, bicycle clothing does nothing for you. You might as well wear your pajamas. If ever in doubt, jump in the water and see how it feels. Hypothermia/cold shock are the biggest dangers in paddling.
Second Jay’s statement.
Read up on immersion gear and consequences, then decide on the risk level you’re willing to accept.
As for your original question, like Sing said, a thin layer of foam goes a long way on a seat or under your feet. Also, you’d be surprised at how much heat can be retained by a spray skirt, even nylon. Be sure to pack dry clothes in a real drybag (not a garbage bag) and have a way to warm yourself up quick even with stiff frozen fingers.
Someone here once suggested always immersing yourself in whatever you plan to paddle in regardless of the time of year, at the put-in. That way, you’ll know if you’re good to go while still within sight of cars and help. Sound advice if you ask me.
Jim
At least immerse your head
With a drysuit you have the luxury of wading into water chest deep without having to be wet for the entire paddle, but this is admittedly less easy to manage in a wetsuit. If you end up with a wetsuit first, at least wade in deep enough to bend over and dunk your head under water before paddling. This is not a trivial step as water and air get colder - and if you don’t have warm enough head coverings to recover from the dunk you should reconsider paddling that day.
This’ll require decent ear plugs as well if you like being able to hear.
you left out too much
how cold is the water?
He said SE Michigan…
He appears to be posting once a day, so I thought I’d save you the suspense. 
Here in SW Michigan, big water temp is 50, inland water temps are probably mid forties and air in the mid forties as well. SE Michigan, you can probably add about 5 degrees to each.