First Cold Weather Float

[Whitney402]

Hey ya'll,
I'm going to be doing my first cold weather float this weekend in my kayak (Eagles and Icicles). I've tried to prepare as best as I can for the cold temps, but I was hoping some of you polar bear floaters out there might have some helpful hints on ways to stay warm.

Here is the gear that I've acquired so far:
- NRS wet shoes
- fleece lined leggings
- snow pants- water and wind resistent
- splash jacket
- base layer long sleeve top
- fleece jacket for under the splash jacket
- spray skirt for the yak
- water proof gloves
- water proof fleece line hood (you know the kind that covers your head and neck with just the face part cut out

I'm really hoping any of you vets out there can offer ideas for what I'm missing...staying as warm as I can is the best way for me to enjoy this outing!

Thanks in advance,
Whitney

[Deuce]

Only thing you didn't mention (unless I missed it) is wool socks to keep your tootsies toasty. Couple pairs of those and you should be good to go. Those footwarmer packets are nice too if you tend to get cold feet. See you Saturday!

[okieboater]

If I read your list correctly, looks like you have a splash jacket and ski pants.

Long as that kayak does not flip, chances are you will be ok, unless it is bitter cold.

Soon as the layers I see on your list get soaked in a flip, insulation value is almost zero.

If I am correct reading your list, I suggest you take a complete change of warm clothing along in a water proof (not water resistant) dry bag. Along with fire starting kit (not just matches) plus a nice dry towel.

Not attempting to keep you from going, just want you to be prepared. My experience has been if I am prepared for an emergency, usually it does not happen.

[Ouachitoff]

I second the change of clothes. All that stuff you listed for your legs and upper body wet will be worthless if you happen to go for a swim. Have fun!

[kru1]

Nobody is getting wet unless the heavens open up. Looks like the temps will be in the 40s.

List looks pretty complete, and I floated like that for years. I always have and always will carry a dry bag with a complete change of cloths. Remember to also pack a complete change of cloths with shoes in a backpack (I prefer cotton) to leave at the take out. Warm cloths at the take out are always appreciated.

The only thing that I noticed you left off the list is a bunch of experienced boaters with a lot of extra gear to borrow in case you may need anything Saturday.

See you then,
kru

[Deuce]

Yes, sorry. My response assumed no flip, which of course is never a good thing to assume. However, I shouldn't say this because it will virtually guarantee a mishap , but, we're talking all class I on the the White River with an organized group. I'm glad you mentioned the need to be prepared with extra dry clothes though. So true always.

[Whitney402]

Thank you all so much for the good advice...I knew I'd come to the right place! A change of clothes will definitely be brought along just in case I accidentally go swimming...I always try to plan for the worst and hope for the best!!

I'm relatively new to the sport so I'm very much looking forward to getting to spend time in some beautiful country with some cool new people!

Hurry up Saturday!

-Whitney

[Lupe]

Here's another suggestion:

If you are in a boat that will allow it such as a canoe or a recreational kayak with a large cockpit opening, considering waterproof boots such as muck boots that come up over your calves which will let you wade in the water a bit while getting in and out of your boat and keep your feet dry. Depending on how sensitive your feet are to cold, once your feet get wet getting into your boat, it can be really tough to keep them warm the rest of the day. Not a suggestion suitable for harder waters or smaller/tighter water craft, but for this type of float, that might be a real nice option, and may be something you already have in your wardrobe.

Cheers

[Whitney402]

Thank you Lupe, that's a great idea...the last thing I want to deal with is frozen toes! I'm going to take your advice for sure!

[SteveGabbard]

Hot hands or some other type of chemical hand warmers might come in handy in case you stop for a break.

[Jim Krueger]

Many times when getting to a gravel bar rest stop, folks naturally want to shuck their helmet and PFD to relax for a bit.In colder times of the season, one of the best tips I really try and adhere to is keeping my PFD on during stops.(all day) it really helps to conserve heat, wet or dry.

Best Regards
Jim Moose

[tomOzarkVideo]

Many times when getting to a gravel bar rest stop, folks naturally want to shuck their helmet and PFD to relax for a bit.In colder times of the season, one of the best tips I really try and adhere to is keeping my PFD on during stops.(all day) it really helps to conserve heat, wet or dry.

Best Regards
Jim Moose

Cheers to that! You've warmed that gear by paddling.. Keep it that way. :)

Whitney, It's great to see you thinking about the right gear! Ask lots of questions on the float. You'll be with a very well seasoned group of boaters that LOVE to talk about this stuff.

[Whitney402]

Thanks Tom! I'm really looking forward to it! I just started kayaking last year and I'm already hooked. There have been times when my friends who like to float couldn't go on a great water/weather weekend and I didn't have anyone else to get on the water with...really looking forward to meeting some new paddling buddies!

-Whitney