Steve, in my previous post I acknowledge that Sparks made no mention of
his paddling experience, except to say that this would be the first
time in cold water. He could very well be a very experienced expert
paddler in warmer water, and this may be why he even bothered to post
his question, because he recognizes his lack of experience in cold
water. That is a wise newbie, but still a newbie to cold water.

It would be bravado if knowing the water is cold, he proceeded with his
plans without making the proper preparations, skill-wise and gear-wise.
I would not want to ever discourage someone from asking any question
but it is not sufficient just to ask questions, but heed the answers
offered by those who have gone before. Lord knows that I have ask
plenty of dumb questions.

He may heed those answers and have a wonderful fulfilling trip, and I
would wish him well. I would love to hear a trip report when he is
back, and appreciate his pictures. That for the time being is the
closest I can come to such a trip, and suragocy sucks, but its better
than nothing. TnT