Michael Daly wrote:
On 11-Jan-2005, "sparks" wrote:


Probably the best thing to do is wait until spring. We were going to go on a
resevoir in western Indiana. It is supposed to be 25 degrees this
weekend...god knows what the wind will be like. I want to play it safe... I
appreciate everyones enthusiastic advice...I knew I came to the right place
to ask!!

See you all in warmer weather!


You're wimping out based on bad advice. I know lots of paddlers who go out
in winter without drysuits. Experience, preparation and care matter more
than clothes.

I have to disagree with you Mike. Unexpected bad things happen, even to
good paddlers. We had an incident this past weekend that drove that
point home quite vividly. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Sparks, if you can't afford proper immersion clothing for the
conditions, stay off the water. Cold water is not the place for bravado
and bluster. It's a very unforgiving environment that must be treated
with respect. Sure, people get away with pushing their luck, just as
with many other activities. However, you could just as easily be the one
that doesn't get away with it. IMO, it's not worth it. Save your money
and buy a dry suit on sale in the spring. You'll still need it until the
water warms up, anyway.